What makes someone a real credit repair specialist?

Pulling and reading all three reports line by line, looking for wrong balances, duplicate accounts, misreported dates, accounts that are not yours, and items past the reporting limit.

Drafting and tracking disputes with the bureaus and, where appropriate, direct challenges to the furnisher who reported the item.

Following up on responses, escalating unverified items, and documenting every step so results are provable.

Coaching on what happens after: utilization, payment timing, account mix and the habits that keep the file clean.

The Credit Repair Organizations Act bans charging you before services are performed, requires a written contract with a clear description of services and price, and gives you three business days to cancel without penalty.

It also bans any guarantee of specific results and any advice to misrepresent your identity or dispute accurate information.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act sets the framework for disputes and generally gives bureaus 30 days to investigate.

What exactly will you do in the first 30 days, and what will you send me as proof?

How is your fee structured, and what am I paying for at each point?

What does the cancellation process look like?

What have you seen with a file like mine — and what will you not be able to remove?

A promised score number or a guaranteed removal. Payment demanded up front. Advice to create a new credit identity. Refusal to put the agreement in writing. Any of these means stop.