During this present down-turn in the credit and financial markets, there are businesses and individuals who promise so-called "quick fixes" and "credit repair" that are supposed to increase credit scores over-night, eliminate bad credit listings, collection accounts and clean up consumer credit reports. They prey on those who through past unforeseen circumstances, a job loss, unexpected medical bills, a foreclosure or repossession, have seen their credit score suffer accordingly.

Many people are genuinely seeking to restore their credit rating and turn to "professionals" to help them. Unfortunately, many of these "professionals" are not what they seem and through deceit and deception, extort hundreds or thousands of dollars on credit manipulation and illegal schemes, without helping these consumers or improve their credit score over the long term.

If you or someone you know has information or personal experience in this area of credit fraud, you are invited to report this information to the Federal Trade Commission.

Send your information by mail to:

Federal Trade Commission
Consumer Response Center
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20580

Or use the FTC secure online form: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/