Please note, according the FTC website, in 2006, the Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and eight state law enforcement agencies announced a crackdown on 20 credit repair operations that deceptively claim they could remove negative information from consumers’ credit reports – even if that information is accurate and timely. The FTC charged companies with violating the FTC Act by making false or misleading statements, such as claiming they can improve most consumers’ credit reports substantially and permanently by removing negative information that is accurate and not obsolete. These companies were also accused of violating the Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA) by requiring advance payment for credit repair services and by making false or misleading statements.

Yes, it is true that no one can legally remove accurate and timely information from your credit report. But if I'm honest, I have to note that the operative word is "legally." There are techniques that can and have worked if one is willing to lie and cheat and this is illegal. Why cheat or lie when you can easily earn from $5,000 to $25,000 per month by helping consumers with proven strategies to increasing their credit score? You can simply offer personal credit review, credit analysis and recommendations while educating your client.

Ok, did I make my case about the industry having an image problem?

Now here is a fact: millions of consumers are still facing credit problems more than ever before. However, they still do not understand how to solve these issues on their own. Yes, there are tons of FREE sites and sources available to assist consumers online. But guess what? Millions are visiting these sites and reading the information available but are still confused and having problems understanding the credit system.

What I also know is that there are several credit consultants out there providing high quality and honest credit services to the public everyday. As Executive Directory of the Certified Credit Consultants Association (CCCA), I know personally because I hear great success stories all the time.

Now here is the problem: there is a great need for credit assistance but where can consumers go for help? There has to be an equal balance between this high demand for service and the ability to find honest help. Well, CCCA goal is to help with this balance.

It is understandable and certainly true that a do-it-yourself approach to credit repair is the best way to solve your own credit problems. It is also true that there is nothing that a credit repair agency can do that consumers can not do themselves. However, there is a learning curve for most Americans and many consumers are making costly mistakes in the process. Additional problems consumers are facing is the having enough time to this paper pushing legwork correctly themselves.

Here is the question: Do you understand the credit system? If not, do you have the time to learn how to solve your own credit problem? Or, If you already understand the system, do you still have time to do-it-yourself? If you answered to these questions, why not hire an honest credit consultant? Maybe I already know the answer--It's because you don't know who to trust, right?

Well, It is our mission at CCCA to self regulate and help consumers find honest credit consultants that do no harm to consumers and assist them in reaching their credit goals. One that is credit score conscious a company that simply dispute negative trade-lines!

When consumers need a fast approach to navigating the system and solving credit problems, a certified credit consultant (CCC) will be the answer. You will find honest CCC professionals right here, so look no further. Our trade association has strong ethical requirements and a totally consumer conscious policy. Our members will not cheat, lie or mislead the public. Our goal is to help consumer navigate the system. Yes, they will receive an honest fee for honest work but they will NOT take your money and run or mislead. Simple, put, they will tell you the TRUTH!, We will have a complaint center available for those who violates our rules.

It is our opinion that it is good that consumers are made explicitly aware that most credit problems information is FREE and readily available. Also that there is nothing that a credit repair firm can do that they can't do themselves. However, just like any subject matter, there is a learning curve and many need assistance. No one should have a problem with a consumer willing to pay for clarity and a better way to navigate the system. This is what any good consultant will do in any industry.

What is a CCC?

"CCC" is an individual who has received a Certified Credit Consultant credential. The CCC credential has come to represent a fundamental competency and adherence to ethical conduct of the credit restoration industry. In dealing with a CCC professional, you can be assured that you are working with a knowledgeable credit consultant who is committed to providing excellent and honest service.

Applicants must go through an online application process to become a Certified Credit Consultant. Once they apply to the program, they must e-sign a Code of Ethics and Professional Standards and pass a certification exam to become a CCC. Once they have passed the exam, each CCC must pay annual dues and go through a recertification process to maintain their CCC status.

The first step is to check with our online directory on this site. If a member is certified, there will be a Yes by the word Certified? At the bottom of this page, you can search by state, the CCCs in your area. This list is updated in real-time. The next step is to ask to see your consultant's credentials. If your consultant advertises as a CCC they will be listed on our site. It is always a good idea to ask your consultant for their credentials, even if you found their name on our list.

If your consultant is NOT a CCC association member he/she cannot be held accountable to the CCC Code of Ethics and Professional Practices. Please note that we are a virtually new trade association and many members on our list have a great deal of experience who have not taken the exam yet, as time progress, this issue will resolved itself. Just remember that they are still members of our association and will abide by our rules.

If your consultant is not on our list and cannot produce any credentials to verify their status, please contact us at members@certifiedcreditconsultants.org. Please be prepared to provide us with the consultant's name, the company's name and a contact phone number. NOTE: It is always a good idea to ensure the company you are considering to assist you with your credit problems is a member of CCCA. If they are a member, they are required to participate in our Arbitration program. To check on the membership status of a credit restoration firm email us.

In dealing with a Certified Credit Consultant, you can be assured that if you have a complaint against your consultant, there exists a forum to express it. If for some reason you have a complaint against a CCC, use this link. Please ensure you describe the situation surrounding the complaint, the name of the consultant involved and the name of the company involved. Once we receive a complaint it is presented to a Peer Review Group who will research the complaint and decide on an appropriate action.