 
Important Questions to Ask Credit Repair Companies
The first questions that must be asked about any credit repair company or service should be directed to your local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau located in the area where the company operates. This will enable you to learn if any other consumers have filed complaints about the company in question.
The next step in choosing a credit repair company is to request information from the company about their services and fees. Any reputable credit repair company or service should happily send you information about their services for free. They should agree to do this before asking for any other information about you or seeking any other details about your financial situation. If the company will not do this, consider it a red flag and seek another company's services.
Other important questions:
1) What services are offered? Request written materials that clearly define what the company does and how they do it.
2) Does the company offer information and referrals? If these aren't free, or if they cannot be provided, look elsewhere for a credit repair company.
3) Do their services include a financial plan for the future?
4) What are the fees and what do these fees include? These should be provided for free and in writing.
5) Are there upfront costs? There should not be any costs involved until you have signed a contract with them.
6) Will the services be provided by one individual or several individuals? Always ensure that one particular person will be in charge of your file.
7) What are the credentials and certifications of those working with your case?
8) Will a formal, written agreement or contract be signed?
9) What are the expected results of the services?
10) What kind of time frame can be anticipated before results are seen?
11) Will your personal information be kept strictly confidential?
12) How will they assure that your creditors are indeed being paid?
13) What are the details of any repayment plan agreed to?
14) What if you cannot keep up with the repayment plan?
15) What debts are NOT included in a repayment plan?
16) How are you able to monitor the status of your file and/or repayment plans?
17) Are they a licensed company? Who regulates the company?
Only after the company you are considering volunteers this information in writing, for free, should you consider engaging their services.
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