Is it legal to challenge the accuracy of my credit report?

Surprisingly, this is the number one question we are asked. Academy's process is 100% legal and is completed by a law firm. In fact, the government recognized that many consumers were being financially burdened because errors were appearing on their credit reports. As a result, the government passed the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which allows consumers to legally challenge information on their credit report on the basis of "completeness and accuracy." The government has also passed an act which authorizes a third party to assist you in challenging inaccurate credit reports. Academy fully complies with this act.

How long does this take?

Each case is unique. The speed of progress will depend on your participation, the nature of your case and the level of credit bureau cooperation. We do, however, work on your case for a full twelve months if required, although we anticipate results within 3-9 months.

How much does your service cost?

$125 will cover receipt, computer entry and setup of your case and an anlalysis of your credit report from the three national credit reporting agencies. We then charge $75 per month until we have completed our work or you are satisfied with the results. A three-bureau credit report is required to assess your case. If you have obtained a credit report within the last 4 weeks, you may forward it. Otherwise, you will need to order a current credit report. After you sign-up, we will give you specific instructions for obtaining your credit reports.

Compare these minor costs with the Cost of Bad Credit!

How much bad credit does it take to be denied credit?

As you may have already experienced, even one late payment listing may result in credit denials. It is a myth that a large amount of positive credit can outweigh some negative credit. Any negative credit can raise red flags for the credit grantors and provide justification for denial.

How long will negative information stay on my report?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires that most negative credit items be deleted from your credit bureau file in no more than seven years, except for bankruptcy, which can be reported for up to ten years. Inquiries may remain on the credit report for up to two years. The good news is that your creditors and/or the credit bureaus can choose to have the negative credit information deleted whenever they please.

Can I restore my own credit?

Yes! You can restore your own credit. Just as it is your right to represent yourself in court. You proably know that you can change the oil in your car, but pay a professional to do the "dirty" work. Most people prefer to let a professional handle such important aspects of their lives. Academy has the experience and knows how to get results. We understand all the nuances of the credit bureaus and what actions must be taken to remove inaccuracies.

Do we warranty our services?

The current law governing credit management companies mandates that we cannot promise, warranty or guarantee results. The law was created in order to stop dishonest companies. With that said, Academy understands how important your time and money are, so we have created a simple process to assure you that we will get our job done.

If the following are true, we will refund your monthly fees.

1. Academy cannot demonstrate any progress with your case.
2. You have forwarded Academy all necessary items enabling Academy to perform work on your case.
3. You have been on our service for a minimum of 6 months.

Does paying off my bills repair my credit?

Paying off your bills is a step towards better credit. However, the credit reporting system doesn't recognize it. When you pay an old debt, the negative credit listing doesn't disappear. In fact, it may reactivate the seven-year reporting clock of that negative listing.

If I declare a bankruptcy can Academy still help me?

Yes, if the bankruptcy is not accurately reported and verified in accordance with the FCRA.

A recent bankruptcy (discharged within the last year) is usually difficult to remove. However, we have successfully removed hundreds of bankruptcy's. The period of time it takes to delete a recent bankruptcy may be greater, but it is still subject to deletion if the information regarding the bankruptcy is inaccurate or unverifiable as defined by the FCRA. Our deletion success rate is higher for bankruptcies older than one year and they are deleted only if they do not comply with the FCRA.