Skip to main content

Cookies on BBB.org

We use cookies to give users the best content and online experience. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to allow us to use all cookies. Visit our Privacy Policy to learn more.

Cookie Preferences

Many websites use cookies or similar tools to store information on your browser or device. We use cookies on BBB websites to remember your preferences, improve website performance and enhance user experience, and to recommend content we believe will be most relevant to you. Most cookies collect anonymous information such as how users arrive at and use the website. Some cookies are necessary to allow the website to function properly, but you may choose to not allow other types of cookies below.

Necessary Cookies

What are necessary cookies?
These cookies are necessary for the site to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you that amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.

Necessary cookies must always be enabled.

Functional Cookies

What are functional cookies?
These cookies enable the site to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these services may not function properly.

Performance Cookies

What are performance cookies?
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance.

Marketing Cookies

What are marketing cookies?
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant content on other sites. They do not store personal information directly, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser or device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
      Country
          Country
          Latest News

          BBB Scam Alert: Credit repair and debt relief scams

          By Better Business Bureau. April 29, 2022.

          (Getty)

          Regardless of how the debt happened, when faced with mounting bills and difficult budget decisions, scammers who promise to repair credit or eliminate debt for a fee is simply a promise that cannot be kept. Victims are enticed with guarantees, such as a credit score increase or debt forgiveness, all for a charge upfront for their “services." If the fee is paid, the scammer takes the money, plus any personal information, and disappears or simply fails to deliver all that was promised. 

          How the scam works:

          Online ad, social media pop ups or unsolicited phone calls come through and when a person is faced with deciding between paying debt or buying necessities, the messaging to “guarantee” a better credit score, alleviate debt or promise a better financial situation, the temptation to pay the upfront fee to relieve stress might be a mistake. 

          The companies that are calling or advertising online frequently promise – and charge for – impossible services. This includes removing past credit mistakes, such as late payments or a bankruptcy, from your credit report. They offer to provide a new "credit identity” or negotiate with lenders or credit card company to completely eliminate the debt. BBB recommends before providing any financial or personal information to check out the company first.

          How to spot this scam:  

          • Advance fees are a concern. Not all businesses promising to help you repair bad credit are scams, but if you are asked to pay in advance, that’s a big red flag. In both the U.S. and Canada, credit repair and debt relief companies can only collect their fee after they perform the services promised.

          • Do not believe guarantees. Nobody can guarantee to make debt go away or improve your credit score. In fact, they can’t promise you anything before they have even reviewed your personal financial situation. 
          • Beware of the big promise. Other red flags are big promises, such as removing negative information from your credit report, or urging you to get a new identity or apply for an Employer Identification Number to use instead of your Social Security number (that’s a crime, by the way). No contract or one that is vague is another warning sign.

          Report suspicious activities on BBB Scam Tracker and protect yourself, by going to “10 Steps to Avoid Scams”.