Only consistent efforts and making payments on your debts will improve your credit.

Beware of companies that:

• Promise to erase your bad credit or to remove bankruptcies and judgments from your credit file. No one can have accurate information removed.
• Offer to create a new identity for you. If you make false statements on loan applications or use a fake Social Security number, you will be committing fraud. You can also be charged for mail or wire fraud if you use the mail or telephone to apply for credit and provide false information.
• Want you to pay for credit repair services before providing any service. The company might not be legitimate.
• Will not tell you your rights and what you can do yourself. Remember, you can order your credit report yourself. If you see errors on your report, you can also request that the credit reporting agencies make appropriate changes.

Before signing a contract, check with your local Better Business Bureau, state Attorney General’s Office, or local consumer protection agency to check whether there have been complaints filed against the company.

Keep in mind, many states have laws that regulate credit repair companies.