Financial literacy guide

Credit-repair scams and impossible promises

Be skeptical of companies or influencers promising to remove accurate, current negative information or create a new credit identity.

ScamsCredit repair

Editorial review: August 11, 2026 · Lauren M. Whitfield

FTC warning signs

Current FTC guidance warns about advance fees, instructions to avoid credit bureaus, false disputes and false identity-theft reports.

Accurate information matters

A legitimate dispute is for information believed to be inaccurate, not a method for deleting accurate obligations.

False reports can create bigger problems

Submitting false identity-theft information is not a legitimate credit strategy.

Prefer official resources

Use recognized regulators, nonprofit education resources and the credit bureaus' official processes.

Educational information only. Use current product terms and the rules that apply in your country. For decisions with significant financial consequences, consider an appropriately qualified professional.