Table of contents

Key Takeaways

  • Customers with high debt loads or poor credit scores are frequently the targets of scammers.
  • Anyone contacting you claiming to be from a debt relief or credit repair company should be avoided, especially if they ask for hefty upfront fees or make big promises about results.
  • By investigating reputable debt relief and credit repair businesses and avoiding unsolicited offers, you may protect yourself against debt relief and credit fraud.

Credit cards, school loans, auto loans, home mortgages, and other debts total an estimated $96,371 in debt for the average American. Debt has been a burden for many as living expenses have gone up, and loans have grown easier to obtain. This, however, frequently results in late payments, which lower credit scores and worsen financial issues. 

Even worse, those who are under a lot of financial strain could be more susceptible to frauds involving credit restoration and debt relief. Scammers use bogus promises to fix credit and debt problems in an attempt to take advantage of people who are struggling financially.

It is important to remember that there are reputable agencies that can assist you in managing your debt and raising your credit score, including debt relief and credit repair firms. Therefore, there is hope for everybody who is having financial difficulties. Nonetheless, it's critical to be aware of credit and debt relief scams to avoid falling victim to fraud. 

What Do Legitimate Debt Relief And Credit Repair Companies Do?

One way to protect yourself from scams is to understand how legitimate debt relief and credit companies work. 

Debt Relief Companies 

Reputable debt reduction organizations provide clients with a variety of debt relief options, such as:

  • Debt settlement: Debt settlement is negotiating with creditors to take a smaller payment than the entire loan amount in exchange for your timely payment of a sizable portion of the remaining balance. Getting your debt dismissed for less than what you owe is the aim.

  • Debt consolidation: This process combines several existing loans into a single, sizable debt, hopefully with a lower interest rate. Instead of paying many creditors with different due dates, you can make a single monthly payment by consolidating all of your obligations into a single account.

  • Debt management: Debt management is the process of developing a methodical, well-thought-out plan to settle debt. The objective is to reduce interest costs and pay off your debt more effectively. 

Credit Repair Programs

Reputable credit repair businesses can help you raise your credit score by fixing false, out-of-date, and deceptive information on your credit reports. These businesses can quickly raise your credit score by submitting complaints to the three credit agencies on your behalf to have the record corrected.

To fix your credit report, you do not, however, have to use a credit repair service. By disputing your credit with the credit bureaus directly, you can fix your credit on your own. You can save money by doing your own credit repair. Legitimate credit repair firms are a good substitute, though, if you lack the patience or time to do it yourself. 

Talk to Shepherd Outsourcing today for a free consultation and discover how our personalized debt relief and credit repair services can help you get back on track. No upfront fees, just results-driven support!

What are the signs of a debt relief scam or credit repair scam?

Scammers promise services like credit repair or debt relief that they are unable to deliver. Once they receive your money, they usually disappear after demanding a sizable upfront payment. Other con artists may ask for further money on a regular basis, seeming to be involved in your case, but they aren't.

Examine thoroughly before approving any payments if you notice any of the following warning signs.

  1. The scammer contacts you first.

It may be an indication of a scam if you receive an unsolicited email, text, phone call, or social media communication about your debt or credit score.

The Telemarketing Sales Rule, which specifies guidelines for calling potential customers, is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Telemarketers are not allowed to call anyone listed on the Do Not Call Registry and are required to restrict their calls to specific hours. If you believe a telemarketer is breaking these rules, you can get in touch with the FTC.

It's advisable to conduct your own research and get in touch if you're interested in these services because scammers are becoming more and more skilled and persuasive.

  1. The company requires a large amount of upfront.

Before any work is done, debt relief and credit scams typically demand a sizable payment.

Only when a service is finished will a reputable debt relief provider send an invoice. Payment arrangements vary, but they typically charge a commission based on the amount of debt relief.

A monthly fee is usually assessed by a reputable credit repair business. A "first-work fee" might be assessed to compensate for the time needed to examine your credit record and decide on a plan of action. This initial fee should not be excessive, though; it is typically comparable to the monthly service charge.

  1. The company promises specific results.

There is no assurance that credit scores will rise or that debt can be paid off. Any business that guarantees your credit score will rise to a specific range or that a specific amount of debt will be forgiven is probably a fraud.

However, if they are unable to enhance your credit score within the first few months, some credit repair organizations may provide a genuine money-back guarantee.

  1. They offer you a credit privacy number or recommend applying for an EIN.

Some con artists would advise obtaining a credit privacy number in order to prevent bankruptcy. They frequently make the claim that by using this new number, you may "reset" your credit profile and raise your credit score or loan approval rate more rapidly. In actuality, stolen Social Security numbers are frequently used as credit privacy numbers. It is against the law to utilize a credit privacy number.

Likewise, some con artists advise you to file for an EIN (employment identification number). EINs are not a substitute for a Social Security number, even though they are valid numbers that companies use to submit financial data to the government. It is a federal offense to use an EIN fraudulently.

  1. The company doesn’t explain your rights and their abilities.

The Credit Repair Organization Act (CROA) requires credit repair businesses to inform you of your legal rights.

The services they will provide, the time it will take to see results and the cost should all be detailed in a written contract that you get. It must also be stated in the contract that you have three days to cancel without incurring any fees. Additionally, businesses must list any warranties they make.

  1. They recommend disputing accurate information on your credit report.

You can dispute faulty information on your credit reports, such as wrongly reported late payments, closed accounts that were mistakenly represented as open, or mistakes in personal information, with the assistance of credit repair firms. In an effort to show consideration, they may also give goodwill letters, which request that the creditor expunge a bad mark from your record. 

However, factual information cannot be removed from your credit reports by a legitimate credit repair company.

Get in touch with Shepherd Outsourcing and let our expert team create a tailored debt relief plan to help you eliminate debt and improve your credit score. Start your financial recovery today with no upfront costs!

How Can You Avoid Debt Relief and Credit Repair Scams?

These are the things you may do to guard against financial fraud.

  • Think about performing it yourself. You are able to repair your own credit and manage your own debt. As you resolve your debt or credit concerns, the do-it-yourself option will not only save you money but also provide you with valuable financial education while shielding you from dangerous frauds.

  • Look into research firms. If you want to manage your debt or get help improving your credit, take the time to look into trustworthy credit counselors and debt relief firms. To find out if a business is legitimate and has happy consumers, you can look through review websites and consult with watchdog groups.

  • Ask about advance costs. A reputable debt reduction provider will only bill you when the job is finished. Prior to registering for service, be aware of any fees.

  • Take note of your rights. Credit repair and debt reduction firms are not allowed to call you repeatedly in an attempt to win your business. You can report telemarketers to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) if they call you at strange times or persist after you have specifically instructed them not to call you again.

Which Debt Relief and Credit Repair Companies Are Legitimate?

These are just a few of the numerous respectable debt relief organizations to think about.

  1. Shepherd Outsourcing 

Shepherd Outsourcing is a top-tier debt relief and credit repair company known for its exceptional customer service and transparent, results-driven approach. Specializing in debt settlement and credit repair, they work directly with creditors to reduce debts and help improve credit scores. With no upfront fees and a personalized strategy for each client, Shepherd Outsourcing offers a trustworthy solution for financial recovery.

  1. Accredited Debt Relief 

Since 2011, Accredited Debt Relief has assisted more than $2 billion in debt management for more than 500,000 individuals. Its financial resources, educational materials, and Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation distinguish it from other debt relief firms of a similar nature.

  1. Freedom Debt Relief

Freedom Debt Relief has assisted in the settlement of more than $18 billion in debt since 2002. Freedom, which boasts more than 1,600 workers and more than 300 committed customer service agents, takes great satisfaction in offering outstanding customer service.

  1. JG Wentworth

JG Wentworth, one of the most reputable debt relief firms with one of the most identifiable brands in the industry, was founded in 1991. As of right now, the Better Business Bureau has given JG Wentworth an A+ rating.

  1. National Debt Relief 

More than 550,000 clients have benefited from National Debt Relief's debt resolution assistance since 2009. This New York-based nationwide service provider provides a number of benefits, such as personalized support and scholarship opportunities.

Likewise, there are numerous respectable credit repair businesses to take into account, such as these.

  1. CreditRepair.com 

This company is one of the most reasonably priced credit repair providers. Customers are able to select a plan that suits their demands and budget thanks to a variety of bundles priced around $100 per month. For natural Spanish speakers, this is a fantastic choice because assistance is also offered in Spanish.

  1. Credit Saint

Credit Saint has built a solid reputation for providing outstanding customer service and producing impressive outcomes. The money-back guarantee and rave reviews from satisfied customers provide new customers some peace of mind.

  1. Lexington Law

There is only one simple credit repair package offered by Lexington Law, so there is no need to select from a variety of service plans. Signing up is simple, and there are many free tools available to help you improve and sustain your credit score over time.

  1. Sky Blue Credit

One of the oldest credit repair businesses was founded in 1989 and is called Sky Blue. By including all of the services, the affordable Full Service package offers outstanding value. Additionally, you and your spouse can jointly enhance your credit thanks to a special price system designed for couples.

  1. The Credit Pros

You might want to choose The Credit Pros if you want a variety of services. You can receive special services like letters of recommendation, dark web surveillance, and even a $5,000 loan to assist you establish a solid payment history, depending on the package.

Conclusion 

Numerous Americans suffer from debt or credit, but there are a number of strategies to get past these problems and enhance your financial well-being. For example, you could use a debt payoff calculator to develop a repayment plan or call the credit bureaus to dispute an inaccuracy on your credit report.

You can get expert help from reputable debt reduction and credit repair businesses if dealing with your financial difficulties on your own is too much to handle.

Be cautious of credit repair and debt relief schemes that could impede your progress as you work through your financial recovery. Steer clear of accepting unsolicited offers and paying large sums of money upfront to businesses that promise results. Rather, use reliable review sites and consumer protection websites to find trustworthy businesses.

Reach out to Shepherd Outsourcing now to take control of your finances. Our trusted debt relief and credit repair services are designed to help you achieve financial freedom—no upfront fees required!