The usual tactic for some agencies includes disputing every negative item on a client's credit report, whether it's accurate or not. Credit bureaus then request verification from the creditor and if no response is given within 30 days, the item is removed. But that's temporary, experts say. The negative item goes right back on the report when the creditor does respond. As for the numerous online offers, they're scams, says Debra Martinez of the New York State Consumer Protection Board.
Some Internet sites sell books containing information that's already free to consumers.
They also may promise loans, credit cards and other guarantees to erase bad credit. The worst thing they can do is compound their debt and possibly create even more credit problems by falling victim to one of these phony fixes. And those that offer to start a whole new file for you, may be breaking the law. You use that number, instead of your Social Security number, to establish new credit. You're getting credit under false pretenses.