The FTC says a credit repair network used Google ads to target servicemembers owing AAFES and USAA debts — and what it allegedly did next should worry you.
Federal credit repair law exempts 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Here is what that carve-out actually does, and how to check any organization.
The ‘Clean Slate’ credit repair scheme promises a new credit profile by altering your Social Security number or filing false disputes. It’s a federal crime that has sent people to prison for decades — despite marketers insisting it’s legal.
Learn the difference between legitimate credit repair and illegal credit fraud. Steve Rhode and Damon Day explain what you can dispute and scams to avoid.
Quick Answer: Jacquelyne Nicole Jones filed a Fair Credit Reporting Act lawsuit against Fifth Third Bank, Trans Union, and Experian for falsely reporting delinquent loan payments from July-August 2022 despite timely payments. The credit bureaus continued publishing the incorrect information even after repeated disputes with evidence, damaging her credit profile. Case Information Filing Date: March …
Quick Answer: Credit Karma is legitimate and provides free credit scores through an affiliate marketing model where they earn referral fees when users apply for recommended financial products. Founded in 2008 and acquired by Intuit for $7.1 billion in 2020, the service makes money by showing targeted offers rather than charging users directly.Ever been curious …
Quick Answer: Beyond the big three credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, Experian), 61 companies create consumer reports that can impact employment, housing, insurance, and banking decisions. Consumers have the right to access these reports and dispute inaccuracies that could be affecting their financial opportunities.Think the Big Three Are the Only Ones Watching You? Think Again.Most people …
Quick Answer: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reached a settlement with Lexington Law, America’s largest credit repair company, for illegally charging clients before completing services and providing required documentation. The court ruled that credit repair organizations marketing by phone must follow telemarketing rules prohibiting advance fees until work is finished.Today the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau …
Quick Answer: The FTC secured a lifetime ban against “The Credit Game” operators Michael and Valerie Rando for running a multi-million dollar credit repair scam. Red flags included false promises of improved credit through illegal tactics, encouraging use of COVID-19 relief funds for payment, and pitching customers fraudulent business opportunities.As a result of a Federal …
Quick Answer: Lexington Law faces serious legitimacy concerns as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has filed a lawsuit alleging the company violated telemarketing rules by charging fees upfront and monthly without providing required timeframes or waiting periods. The CFPB claims Lexington Law illegally collected payments at signup and throughout the process rather than after achieving …
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