NEW IDENTITY, NEW TROUBLE — The Dangerous Lies Behind Credit Repair Scams
When your credit score is keeping you up at night—and keeping you from getting that car loan, apartment, or mortgage—it’s easy to fall for promises of a “quick fix.”
But if a company says it can magically wipe your credit history clean or hand you a brand-new identity? 🚩 That’s not help—it’s a scam.
At R23 Law, we’ve seen firsthand how these frauds prey on financially vulnerable people. As California consumer protection lawyers, we’re here to help you spot the scams, understand your legal rights, and rebuild your credit the right way.
How Credit Repair Scams Trap You
Fraudsters often target those already in financial distress. Their pitch? Fast results. Clean slates. Guaranteed score boosts. But here’s the truth: many of their tactics are not just deceptive—they’re flat-out illegal.
Common scam methods include:
Upfront fees: Legitimate credit repair companies cannot charge you before delivering results. If they ask for payment first, run.
“New” Social Security numbers: Promises of a fresh credit identity are often code for file segregation—a federal crime.
Disputing accurate information: Some scammers will urge you to lie to credit bureaus. That’s fraud, and you could be held accountable.
No written contract or disclosure of rights: If they don’t explain your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), they don’t have your back.
Real Ways to Rebuild Your Credit—Without Breaking the Law
The path to a better credit score isn’t glamorous, but it is possible. Here’s how to protect yourself and make meaningful progress:
Check your credit reports for free at annualcreditreport.com. Look for errors, outdated entries, or signs of identity theft.
Dispute inaccuracies legally through the credit bureaus. You don’t need a third-party service to do this—and if you do want help, our California credit dispute attorneys can assist.
Pay your bills on time and reduce debt. These are the biggest long-term boosters of credit scores.
Beware of quick fixes and remember: No one can remove accurate negative items from your report.
What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed
Already signed up with a shady credit repair company? Take action—fast:
1. Stop all payments to the company and cancel any authorizations you’ve provided.
2. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
3. Monitor your credit and place a fraud alert or credit freeze if necessary.
4. Get legal help—especially if your identity was misused or if the company broke consumer protection laws.
📞 Take the First Step. Schedule a Free Consultation Today.
Don’t wait until a scam ruins your score—and your peace of mind. Contact R23 Law today to speak with a seasoned California consumer protection attorney. We’ll help you take back control of your credit, your identity, and your future.
You Don’t Need a “New” Identity—You Need the Right Legal Team
At R23 Law, we’re not just here to clean up the mess—we help prevent it. Our California Identity Theft Victim Lawyers and Credit Reporting Dispute Attorneys are ready to fight for your financial future, whether you’re dealing with fraudulent tradelines, background check errors, or credit reporting violations.