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.
Told to pay a credit repair company before it helps you? Federal law bans advance fees — and you can dispute credit report errors yourself for free.
California’s DFPI is actively hunting deceptive debt settlement companies — and the junk mail you almost threw away could start an investigation.
The BBB is warning consumers about a surge in credit repair and debt relief scams ahead of tax season. In 2025 alone, 422 people reported these scams to the BBB with a median loss of $450. Here’s what the scams look like and how to protect yourself.
A federal lawsuit alleges Clerk Credit Systems LLC charged nearly $400 in illegal upfront fees, promised to remove negative credit items within 45 days, and delivered no meaningful results. The complaint cites violations of both the federal Credit Repair Organizations Act and the Florida Credit Services Organization Act.
The FTC warns that credit repair companies cannot legally remove accurate negative information from your credit report. They also can’t charge before work is done. Here’s what you can do yourself for free.
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: Debt validation is not the miracle solution many companies advertise, as experts Steve Rhode and Damon Day explain in their analysis. While debt validation has legitimate uses, aggressive sales pitches often oversell its effectiveness and leave consumers worse off than alternative debt relief strategies.Some companies love to sell debt validation as a miracle …
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