Can I consult with someone at Ovation before I decide to sign-up?

Absolutely! We encourage you to call or Instant Message one of our professional credit analysts and ask any questions that may help you in determining the best solution for you credit needs. Call 866-639-3426 to talk to someone now or instant message one of them now. You can also visit the Contact Us page on our site and contact one of our representatives at your convenience to learn more about your credit report repair options.

Why should I choose Ovation Law instead of another credit repair firm?

We Get Results. There are several factors that set us apart from our competitors. Ovation prides itself on our results, superior customer service and utmost respect for clients. We stay current on consumer credit laws and economic issues, and we utilize the newest technology and proven techniques to ensure successful removal of inaccurate credit report information for our clients. Ovation provides the following advantages: Your case is reviewed by a staff attorney with a complete understanding of your legal rights under all applicable Federal statutes. We stay current on consumer law as it pertains to credit repair and credit bureaus to make sure that our clients receive the best possible results. You will work one on one with you personal Case Advisor who is also well educated in credit repair techniques and Certified in the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Unlike other credit repair companies, your privacy and confidentiality (especially with regard to your social security number, credit card number and credit report information) are protected with Ovation. Our Customer Service Guarantee is effective from day one. You do not have to be a client for any particular amount of time before you are protected by our guarantee.

How long has Ovation been doing business?

Ovation began offering specialized credit report repair services in 2004. Our staff attorneys and administrators have been involved in the credit industry for more than 10 years. Our Better Business Bureau record dates back 1976.

What services do you provide?

At this time, Ovation and our staff attorneys have chosen to focus exclusively on offering premier credit report repair services. During the signup process, our clients execute a service agreement that specifically details our process of disputing items and information on your credit report. In the future, we may offer additional services. We'll provide that information to the public as it becomes applicable.

How does the Ovation Refund Policy work?

Just like our service, our Refund Policy is effective from day one. Our Refund Policy is simple and straight forward. Each month that you remain a client of Ovation, you pay a Monthly Fee. During any month, if we fail to provide the agreed upon services (as outlined in the Service Agreement provided during the sign up process), we will not bill you for that month or will refund your Monthly Fee if already billed. It's as simple as that! If you are still unsure about the Refund Policy or have any other questions, contact us. We'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Does Ovation offer any guarantees?

Ovation is so confident in our customer service and credit report repair abilities that we offer a 100% Service Satisfaction Guarantee. We take pride in our level of service and client support and are committed to providing our clients the most rewarding experience possible.

Does Ovation bill in advance for services?

No! Ovation Does Not Charge in Advance For Credit Repair Services. In compliance with the Credit Repair Organizations Act, we only charge for credit repair services after they have been fully rendered. Your 'First Payment' to Ovation is made after we have completed the identified services relating to this payment as detailed in the service agreement. Each monthly payment thereafter covers the monthly services detailed in the service agreement fully rendered during the previous month.

What is Jump-start?

Ovation understands how important it is to improve your credit and we are prepared to 'JUMP START' the process. Sign up now and we will immediately get you into our system (Monday – Friday), assign you a case advisor and prepare your case for disputing. All of this is done before you spend a penny! Although billing information is collected at sign up, your credit card is not charged until at least 5 days after you sign up. During those first five days, we will set up your case, assign you a case advisor, assist you in getting your credit reports, and then once received we will enter them on your case. Your program's monthly charges will begin 30 days after the first payment is charged. You can cancel at anytime without any penalty. Ovation charges only for services that have been fully rendered.

What if a friend or family member wants to sign up too, can we get a discount?

Ovation is proud to offer a couples' discount for any two people that seek our services. Although you may not be related and you may not be a couple you still deserve a discount. So, sign up for the couple’s program and get our services at a discounted price. We will still set up two separate accounts, one for each of you to ensure the best service and results possible, however the billing does have to be together to get the discount. Contact us today and get started on a better financial future for both of you.

What type of information does Ovation collect?

The personal information that we collect is limited to the information that you provide to us when you sign up and use our services. This information consists of your name, address, email address, phone number, social security number, date of birth, and billing information. Additionally, you will provide the information contained on your credits reports to Ovation Credit Services when you send us a copy of your three credit reports. All personal information that is provided to and maintained by Ovation Credit Services is available for your review and edit directly through our online Client Access Center. Additionally, you may contact us if you would like us to review and update any of your personal information for you.

When does Ovation disclose personal information?

Ovation will not share, sell, transfer or convey your personal information to any unaffiliated companies or third parties. Ovation maintains strict confidence of your personal information. We even have strict policies for all Ovation employees when it comes to sharing personal information internally.

How does Ovation protect personal information?

Ovation safeguards the security of the data you send us with physical, electronic, and managerial procedures. We urge you to take every precaution to protect your personal data when you are on the Internet. Change your passwords often, use a combination of letters and numbers, and make sure you use a secure browser. The Ovation Credit Services web site uses industry-standard Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption on all web pages where personal information is required. To sign up for Ovation's service, or to log into the client section of the web site, you must use an SSL-enabled browser such as Netscape Navigator 3.0 or later, or Internet Explorer. This protects the confidentiality of your personal information and credit card information while it is transmitted over the Internet.

Is Ovation a Member of the Better Business Bureau?

Yes. Ovation is an Accredited Member of the Better Business Bureau. It is an honor to be an Accredited Member. Our history with the BBB dates back to 1976 - longer than anyone we've seen in our industry. We've been members since 2004. Before you choose a credit repair company to work with, be sure to check their BBB report. You can help avoid scammers by avoiding companies that are not members and you can avoid frustration by avoiding companies that are members but have a high number of complaints filed. To check for complaints, visit www.bbb.org and click on "Go to Local BBBs'.

Is Ovation Bonded?

Yes. Ovation carries surety bonds as required by various state laws.

Is Ovation Managed By Attorneys?

Yes. Ovation was founded by attorneys and is managed by attorneys. Our founders oversee the entire process and work closely with our case advisors to ensure that you receive the best results possible. From the time you first become a client until the time that you close your case file; our founders are involved in the process.

How does the Ovation credit repair process work?

Do you want to know how to get started, what to expect, and how our credit report repair process works? In our 3 1/2 minute video we show you how easy it is to begin and provide a step-by-step overview of the dispute process with the major credit bureaus. We want you to clearly understand how the credit dispute process works. For a brief overview of how the credit repair process works, you can call on of our Professional Case Analysts for a free consultation and they can explain the process to you and answer any questions for you. You can also click on the online video and learn about the process at our Video Center.

How long will it take to repair my credit report?

Our clients typically start seeing results in 45-60 days. Because everyone's case is different, some cases are completed in that time, but the average lenght for our clients is 6 to 8 months. It really depends on the type and number of items that need to be addressed in the credit profile. Successfully repairing credit requires persistence, patience and experience. This is where Ovation Law's expertise saves you valuable time. To effectively dispute incorrect information on your credit report, the key is knowing the 'valid disputes' and understanding the methods used by the credit bureaus in order to submit personalized disputes that meet their requirements and warrant a timely response. In addition, we offer a valuable time-saving service, known as the Fast Track Program, which can be applied to any of our custom programs to expedite your credit report repair process. Send us your information (to be received by 2:00 p.m. EST) and we'll create your custom dispute letters and mail them to the three major credit bureaus the same day!

Can Ovation remove Bankruptcies from my credit report?

Every consumer’s situation is different. If you have a bankruptcy on your credit report that you feel is inaccurate, misleading, incomplete, or unverifiable in some way then we can dispute it for you. As for getting it removed from your credit report that is not something we can promise or confirm. However, Ovation Credit Services has successfully removed bankruptcies from our clients' credit reports in the past.

Does Ovation work with creditors?

To provide the best results for our clients, yes we interact with creditors. Our Essentials Plus Program includes the creation and distribution of custom dispute letters to the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Trans Union, and Experian. Once you mark the accounts you want disputed we also send letters to your creditors, requesting verification of the information listed on the credit reports. If they are unable to verify the information they are reporting then they are required by law to remove or update the information reporting.

Can Ovation setup payment plans with creditors?

Ovation is a credit report repair company, not a debt consolidation company. We only contact creditors by letter to work towards getting the information updated and/or deleted. Unfortunately, we do not work with creditors for payment arrangements.

How does Ovation work with joint accounts?

As we deal with information on your credit reports, we handle joint accounts in the same meticulous manner as individual accounts and we will dispute the information in your name only. Keep in mind that deletions resulting from your disputes may be deleted from the other person's credit report as well. If you intend to apply for credit together in the future, make sure that both of your reports are in good standing. To help you, you may want to enroll in the couples program.

Can I Cancel Anytime?

Yes. We require no long term contracts. You can cancel at anytime, and our refund policy is effective from the day you start working with us.

Will Ovation Simply Dispute All My Negative Items?

No! Federal Law requires that all disputes be submitted in good faith. When you become a client of Ovation, you'll complete our Dispute Manger to provide us with the necessary information about the items on your credit report that qualifies for a good faith dispute. We'll also consult with you directly. We compile that information and use it to create your custom dispute letters. We will dispute any item, positive or negative, that you review and mark for dispute. Not only is our process legal and in compliance with the FCRA, but it results in more efficient and effective disputing.

Several companies out there simply take your credit reports and generically dispute every negative item without any information from you regarding the legitimacy of the negative items. Not only is this process illegal, it is ineffective and results in an extremely high return of frivolous responses.

How Does the Ovation Refund Policy Work?

Just like our service, our Refund Policy is effective from day one. Our Refund Policy is simple and straight forward. Each month that you remain a client of Ovation Law, you pay a Monthly Fee. During any month, if we fail to provide the agreed upon services (as outlined in the Service Agreement provided during the sign up process), we will refund your Monthly Fees for that month. It's as simple as that! If you are still unsure about the Refund Policy or have any other questions, contact us. We'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

What is a Frivolous Dispute?

Consumer reporting companies must investigate items in question unless they consider your dispute frivolous. A blanket dispute (i.e. all negative information is challenged) may be considered evidence that the dispute is frivolous, or if you fail to provide any allegations concerning specific items in your file. Frivolous disputing will unnecessarily increase the amount of time it takes to repair your credit profile and your overall success rate. This is common error made by inexperienced credit repair consultants who simply dispute all negative items or most of your credit items on your credit report at one time without any specific basis for the dispute.

What do Ovation's Staff Attorneys Do?

Ovation's staff attorneys review current trends in the law, develop new programs and enhance our current programs, review client files and work closely with our case advisors to ensure that our clients receive state of the art credit report repair programs. We specialize in credit report repair.

Does Ovation Provide My Credit Report?

No. When you become a client of Ovation, we request that you submit your credit report to us. If you don't have a copy, don't worry. We'll show you where you can get a copy of all three reports for free. If you do not qualify for a free report, we show you a number of websites where you can purchase reports online for a low cost.

We do not provide your reports to you because the process of obtaining your report would result in an inquiry being placed on your reports. Each inquiry negatively affects your score. Our goal is to help you raise your score - not lower it. If you obtain your report yourself and submit it to us, no negative inquiry will appear.

Several competitors will pull your reports for you through their affiliated mortgage businesses. While this sounds convenient, just remember that they are actually hurting your score in the process.

How Do I Submit My Reports and Updates To Ovation?

Ovation makes it as easy as possible for you to submit your credit reports to us. You can fax them to us. You can mail them to us. You can email them to us. If you are in the area, you can drop them off at our office. You can upload them through our client management website. You can also provide user information for the website where you purchased the reports and we'll download them for you. If you can think of another way to get them us, let us know and we'll accommodate you. Our goal is to make the credit report repair process as easy and efficient for you as possible.

Is credit repair legal?

Absolutely! It is your legal right to dispute items on your credit report. Ovation exercises your legal rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Credit Billing Act, Truth in Lending Act, and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, as well as other applicable Federal statutes. Ovation helps consumers with credit reports that contain information that is inaccurate, misleading, incomplete or unverifiable.

Be cautious of any company that claims it can improve or remove items on your credit reports that are 100% accurate and correct, they may be violating Federal Statutes. We recommend that you stay away from services that recommend that you attempt to obtain a new/alternate social security number, attempt to create a consumer credit profile under a EIN, or create "fake" credit profiles by intentionally reporting false data. These tactics can be illegal and/or unethical and, if caught, can result in significant personal liability.

Are stall letters legal for credit bureaus to send?

Based on the laws that the Fair Credit Reporting Act has set, it is legal for credit bureaus to send out letters to notify consumers of a response to a dispute or other information (such as informing someone that the bureau is not going to investigate or reinvestigate an item). They also can stall the process by requesting personal information such as your identity for validation purposes. The credit bureaus write these vague and sometimes confusing letters, mostly with the intent of stalling consumers, hoping that the dispute will not be pursued. They also send these letters out hoping to scare consumers away. If they state legal terms or ask for a lot of documentation they hope you will feel defeated and not pursue the issue any further. This is commonplace and happens to the majority of consumers who send disputes to the credit bureaus; however, persistence will eventually warrant a response. At Ovation, we know how the bureaus operate and we are tenacious in our efforts to accomplish the results you are seeking and remove the inaccurate information from your credit report.

What does the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) say about credit repair?

The FTC's concerns regarding credit repair agencies address the unethical individuals who have taken advantage of the rising demand of credit restoration by posing as credit repair companies on the Internet or via telemarketing, making promises they either couldn't keep or never intended to keep, and/or charging fees up-front and then vanishing after providing minimal and inadequate services - if any services at all. Several of these agencies encourage consumers to use unethical and even illegal tactics to clean their credit reports. In some cases, credit repair agencies attempt to disguise themselves as credible law firms to falsely persuade you that you have retained licensed professionals. In an attempt to discourage these unscrupulous credit repair opportunists, the government has imposed strict regulations on credit repair agencies. Overall, these regulations are a positive step towards protecting consumers from disreputable credit repair agencies. Unfortunately, disreputable credit repair agencies continue to exist on the Internet awaiting to be discovered by regulatory agencies and extinguished. To avoid their scams, you, as a potential consumer, should be wary of any credit repair agency that won't provide their complete address (beyond a Post Office Box), fully identify who they are (including a verifiable identity), or demand large fees in advance of services rendered. Consumers should avoid credit repair agencies that guarantee credit report results or guarantee the ability to remove a bankruptcy from your credit report. Their methods are usually unethical and/or even illegal and may subject you to personal liability.

Remember, it is your legal right to dispute inaccuracies on your credit report. Deal only with companies that are up-front about their fees and willingly share information with you. Be wary of any credit restoration service provider that appears to be a law firm, yet fails to provide the full name(s) of its attorneys or to clearly identify the state(s) in which they are licensed to practice. (A closer look may reveal that these service providers are merely credit repair agencies in disguise.) For more information on what to look for in credit report repair companies, and what to avoid, visit Ovation's Educational Center, or view FTC Issues.

If you believe that you have been the victim of unethical, misleading and/or deceptive behavior by a credit repair agency or law firm providing credit restoration services, or any credit repair agency or law firm you have engaged has performed illegal or unethical acts in an attempt to restore your credit, you should report them to the FTC immediately and/or notify the State Bar Association in the law firm's respective state. Your cooperation in this regard will assist the FTC and respective State Bar Associations to find and eliminate the unscrupulous predators in an effort to provide a safer, fraud-free experience for everyone.

What is the Fair Credit Reporting Act?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act is the law put in place to protect consumers and regulate the consumer reporting agencies (CRAs). Commonly known as the FCRA, it was put in place to provide guidelines for the Credit Bureaus to make sure there is consistency between them, to make sure that accurate information is being reported, and to protect consumers from inaccurate information. It is also in place to ensure that credit bureaus and resellers of consumer reports provide information to creditors, insurers, employers, and others, do so with due regard for the confidentiality, accuracy, and legitimate use of such data. When those parties take adverse action on the basis of information in a credit report, they must identify the CRA that provided the report so that the consumer can learn how to get a copy to verify or contest its accuracy and completeness. Creditors and others may not knowingly provide false information to CRAs, which are required to maintain reasonable procedures to ensure the maximum possible accuracy of their data.

The FCRA also states that you are entitled to a free copy of your credit report if you've been denied credit, insurance or employment and request the report within 60 days of notice, or if you can prove:

 You are unemployed and plan to look for a job within 60 days
 You are on welfare
 Your report is inaccurate because of fraud

What is the Fair Credit Billing Act?

The Fair Credit Billing Act applies if you are a creditor billing customers for goods or services. The Act requires creditors to acknowledge consumer billing complaints promptly in writing and to investigate billing errors. The Act prohibits creditors from taking actions that adversely affect the consumer's credit standing until the investigation is completed, and affords other consumer protections during disputes. The Act also requires that creditors promptly post payments to the consumer's account and either refund overpayments or credit them to the consumer's account.

What is the Truth in Lending Act?

The Truth in Lending Act is federal law which sets minimum standards for the information which a creditor must provide in an installment credit contract. The Truth in Lending Act requires creditors who deal with consumers to disclose information in writing about finance charges and related aspects of credit transactions, including finance charges expressed as an annual percentage rate. The amount being financed, the amount of the required minimum monthly payment, the total number of monthly payments, and the APR must all be provided to the debtor prior to entering into the consumer credit contract. The Act also establishes certain requirements for the advertisement of credit terms. Overall, the goal is to enable you to make accurate comparisons of offers of credit.

What is the Fair Debt Collections Act?

The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act or FDCPA prohibits certain debt collectors from engaging in abusive behavior. It covers debt collectors who work for collection agencies. It does not cover debt collectors that are employed by the original creditor (the business or person who first extended you credit or loaned you money). If a debt collector that works for a collection agency breaks the law, you can take steps to make sure it doesn't happen again.

What is Bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is a federal court process designed to help consumers and businesses eliminate their debts or repay them under the protection of the bankruptcy court. Bankruptcies can generally be described as "liquidations" or "reorganizations."

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the liquidation variety -- property is sold (liquidated) to pay off as much of your debt as possible, while leaving you with enough property to make a fresh start. Chapter 13 is the most common type of "reorganization" bankruptcy for consumers -- you repay your debts over three to five years.

Both kinds of bankruptcy have numerous rules -- and exceptions to those rules -- about what kinds of debts are covered, who can file, and what property you can and cannot keep. Bankruptcies, of any kind, stay on your credit report for 10 years. All decisions regarding bankruptcy should be considered very carefully and not taken lightly.

What is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

Liquidation bankruptcy is called Chapter 7, and it can be filed by individuals (a "consumer" Chapter 7 bankruptcy) or businesses (a "business" Chapter 7 bankruptcy). A Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically lasts three to six months.

In a liquidation bankruptcy, some of your property may be sold to pay down your debt. In return, most or all of your unsecured debts will be erased. You get to keep any property that is classified as "exempt" under the state or federal laws available to you (such as your clothes, car, and household furnishings). If you don't own much, chances are that all of your property is exempt and you have what is known as a "no asset" case.

If you owe money on a secured debt (for example, a car loan, where the car is pledged as a guarantee of payment), you have a choice of allowing the creditor to repossess the property; continuing your payments on the property under the contract (if the lender agrees); or paying the creditor a lump sum amount equal to the current replacement value of the property. Some types of secured debts can be eliminated in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Not everyone can file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. For example, if your disposable income is sufficient, after subtracting certain allowed expenses and monthly payments for certain debts (including child support and debts that secure property), to fund a Chapter 13 repayment plan, you won't be allowed to file Chapter 7.

Bankruptcy doesn't work on some kinds of debts. Though bankruptcy can eliminate many kinds of debts, such as credit card debt, medical bills, and unsecured loans, there are many types of debts, including child support and spousal support obligations and most tax debts that cannot be wiped out in bankruptcy.

What is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is also known as "wage earner" bankruptcy because, in order to file for Chapter 13, you must have a reliable source of income that you can use to repay some portion of your debt. And to qualify for Chapter 13, your secured debts must be less than $922,975 and your unsecured debts less than $307,675.

When you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy you propose a repayment plan that details how you are going to pay back your debts over the next three to five years. The minimum amount you'll have to repay depends on how much you earn, how much you owe, and how much your unsecured creditors would have received if you'd filed for Chapter 7.

If you have secured debts, Chapter 13 gives you an option to make up missed payments to avoid repossession or foreclosure. You can include these past due amounts in your repayment plan and make them up over time.

What is a Judgment?

A judgment is a court decision of money owed to a creditor or lender. When you do not pay a creditor back they can take legal action against you. One form of that is bringing suit against you for the money owed. They will take you to court to try and get the money back. If they win then the court sets a judgment of what is owed and that judgment will report on your credit report for up to 7 years.

Now you can also get a judgment from a Civil Suit. If someone sues you for damages or money owed and wins they can get a civil judgment against you to get their money as well. This will also report on your credit reports for up to 7 years.

What is a Garnishment?

A garnishment is a legal proceeding where a creditor can obtain a judgment on a debt to collect the payment in installments or in full by seizing the debtor’s assets (a bank account, their paycheck, etc.). The most common form of garnishment is wage garnishment. The most common debts for garnishments are: child support, Federal taxes, state taxes, unpaid judgments, student loans, court fines, and even credit card debt. If you do not pay your Federal Taxes or your Child Support they will submit the documentation to the court and get a court order and send it straight to your payroll office. Next thing you know your next paycheck is missing $200.

What is a Lien?

A Lien is a "claim" or hold on a property to secure repayment of a debt or satisfaction of a debt. Liens can be consensual or not. Some liens are consensual because of a contract between the debtor and the creditor. Examples of consensual liens are: Mortgages, Car Loans, and Secured Credit Cards. An example of a Non Consensual lien is a tax lien. If you do not pay your Federal taxes, the IRS will put a lien on your property. This ensures the government that when you sell your home they will get paid first.

Can I repair my own credit report?

Yes. Depending on your time, patience, perseverance, and complexity of your dispute, you can successfully dispute inaccurate credit report items on your own. However, credit bureaus' strategies and tactics make the process often time consuming, overly burdensome and ineffective for the consumer. Disputing items is not difficult; getting results is.

Why would Ovation disputes succeed where mine failed?

Our experience (and dedication to our clients) in working with the credit bureaus facilitates the credit repair process because we are more likely to anticipate the tactics and responses of the credit bureau. Members of our professional team of staff attorneys and case advisors have experience in interacting with the bureaus and creditors and have gained insight in regards to efficiently and effectively disputing credit report errors. We stay current on consumer credit laws and economic issues, and we utilize the newest technology and proven techniques to ensure successful removal of inaccurate credit report information for our clients.

How are credit scores affected during the repair process?

As Ovation is engaged in the dispute process with the credit bureaus, your score may change periodically. When disputing 'negative' information on your credit report, the credit bureaus will remove the item(s) in question until it is verified, modified, or deleted. Since we are disputing primarily 'negative' items on your report, your score may increase during the process because the negative item is removed until the investigation is over. This temporary score is not necessarily an indicator of your final credit score. (Disputing personal information such as an incorrect address or date of birth will not typically affect your credit score.) Upon completion of the dispute process, your credit report will then show the new score. Keep in mind that each credit bureau has different criteria for determining your score, which is why your score varies from bureau to bureau.

Should I file bankruptcy?

We cannot advise you whether or not you should file bankruptcy. If you are considering bankruptcy, it is always in your best interest to get as much information about bankruptcy as possible, and consult with a local bankruptcy attorney.

Should I pay off my credit accounts?

As a consumer it is always in your best interest to pay off any balances that you owe. When disputing items and accounts on your credit report, it is always easier to pursue deletions when accounts have been paid off (zero balance). It is advantageous to pay your accounts off because it facilitates the dispute process and further collection activities are ceased. As a collection tactic, creditors prefer to invest their time and efforts in verifying negative information that still has a balance due. As you are paying off your creditors ask them to send you a confirmation letter that the account has a zero balance. Important Note: If a creditor or collector agrees to settle an account for less than the full amount, have them send you a written statement to protect yourself from further collection activity and unethical collectors harassing you for the original balance later.

Settlement vs. Charge Off

A charge off is a credit account that you did not pay and then the creditor wrote the account off as a loss. A settlement is an account that went past due, maybe even charged off, and then you negotiate a pay off amount that is less than the full balance due. Once you pay that negotiated amount in full then the account reports as a settlement. As consumers we depend on credit bureaus to report information accurately. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. In fact, it is the minority. Seventy-nine percent of all credit reports contain inaccuracies - meaning that we all must be diligent in monitoring our credit reports and take immediate action when mistakes are discovered. In our expectations of being treated fairly, we assume that if one negative item on our credit report is considered equal to another item; the credit bureaus have to be fair and accurate when reporting the item. Credit bureaus sometimes 'generalize' and will argue that 'Settlements' and 'Charge Off' are the same, when in fact, they are not. It is up to us to insist they investigate these items and change the incorrect information, or if they cannot verify the information within 30 days, then they need to delete the item. This is one of your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. We remain steadfast in pursuing these items.

What makes up my credit score?

Credit scores are used by creditors to measure the 'risk factor' of a consumer who is applying for a loan or credit line. The credit score was out in place to reflect the financial responsibility of a consumer, through past and present credit use. Creditors use the score to 'predict' how a consumer will treat their potential financial obligation.

1. Payment History - 35%
2. Amount Owed - 30%
3. Length of Credit History - 15%
4. New Credit - 10%
5. Types of Credit in Use - 10%

As a 'snapshot' of your financial history, your credit report is essentially your 'financial fingerprint' and contains information that can be grouped into the five categories listed below.

While we have the above information we still do not know the specific formula to calculate credit scores. The credit score algorithm is closely guarded by its originator: Fair Isaac Co. (also known as FICO). For more details about the factors that affect your credit score, visit our Education Center and download our e-book: What You Need to Know About Credit and/or read the article Facts About Credit Reports.

Should I close my paid-off accounts?

When reviewing your credit to decide if you should keep an account open or closed you need to consider its affect on your credit score. It is good to only have about 3-5 open credit cards so when you decide to close some of them you will want to close the accounts that were opened recently. Older accounts have more payment history and closing them usually results in lowering your credit score. However, what you choose to do with these accounts once they have been paid off is up to you.

Another item to keep in mind when you are paying off credit accounts is that credit card balances over 50 percent of the credit limit negatively affects your credit score, so try to keep your balances below half of your credit limit. Naturally, having accounts that are paid off will not hurt your credit score. Visit Ovation Law's Education Center and download our e-book: What You Need to Know About Credit for detailed information on a broad range of credit topics.

Why was I denied credit?

There are many possible reasons a creditor decides to deny you credit. One scenario, for example, is that the creditor receives updated credit reports from a third party reseller and the credit report they received is not the most current and accurate report. Their report may be outdated and not reflect recently deleted mistakes or your new payment habits and improved score. When being considered for credit, by law, you have certain credit rights. For detailed information on your credit rights, refer to our Educational Center and download our e-book: What you Need to Know about Credit. Credit is increasingly used by millions of consumers to finance everything from education and houses to entertainment and business opportunities. Factors such as debt, types of accounts, and credit history are considerations for your creditworthiness. Anytime you are denied credit you will receive a letter telling you why you were denied. Make sure you review the letter and the reason and then review your credit report to make sure any mistakes are fixed before you apply for more credit.

How is my credit score affected by Ovation's efforts?

Ovation Credit focuses on removing inaccurate, misleading and unverifiable information from your credit profile. While this is not a direct action to improve your credit score, our actions will often affect it. Your score is partially based on your entire credit history, and since we are working to correct negative items within your credit history this is likely to have a positive effect on your scores! Also, each bureau has a different method of receiving information from creditors and not all creditors report to all credit bureaus so that will cause your credit scores to be different with each one. Since your scores can be different for each bureau as we work on your credit reports each bureau will updated differently and it will affect those scores differently.

What Are The Main Credit Bureaus?

The three credit bureaus are: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. The websites are www.equifax.com, www.experian.com, and www.transunion.com, respectively.

Fair Isaac is not a credit bureau. It is the company who develops and maintains the FICO score.

What are Inquires?

Part of your credit score considers the number of inquiries made for your credit report. Credit inquiries are placed on your credit report each time a business requests a copy of your report. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires businesses to have an acceptable reason for accessing your credit report. Acceptable reasons include:

 To grant credit
 Collect a debt
 Underwrite insurance
 Employment
 License issuing by some government agencies
 Legitimate business transactions

Each inquiry that reports can drop your credit score any where from 2-5 points. The inquiries on your credit report will remain for two years but only affect your credit score for one year.

How can I stop companies from using my personal information for marketing?

More organizations are offering consumers choices about how their personal information is used. For example, many let you "opt out" of having your information shared with others or used for marketing purposes. The best way to opt out of offers and third parties pulling your information is to go to the credit bureau websites and click on "Contact Us" page and then look for the information for Opt Out.

How do I order my credit reports?

There are several websites from which you can order your credit report. The most efficient way to get us your reports is to order them online and email them to us as an attachment, preferably as a .PDF, or you can physically mail copies of them to us. If you have difficulty, contact us and we will assist you in getting your reports downloaded and sent to us. Here is a popular website to order your credit report from: www.thecreditreportsource.com. A recent amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months, you can get those reports at www.annualcreditreport.com. You can also order your credit reports from the credit bureaus directly at www.transunion.com, www.experian.com, and www.equifax.com

Can I get a free credit report?

A recent amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. The credit bureaus set up a separate website for this purpose, the web address is www.annualcreditreport.com. For qualified consumers, there are some options provided under the Fair Credit Reporting Act that entitle you to receive a free copy of your credit report. You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report if you've been denied credit, insurance or employment and request the report within 60 days of notice, or if you can prove that (a) you're unemployed and plan to look for a job within 60 days, (b) you're on welfare, or (c) your report is inaccurate because of fraud or identity theft. If your application for credit, insurance, or employment is denied because of your credit information, the company to which you applied must give you the name and address of the reporting credit bureau. If you don't qualify under any of those categories, you will need to purchase your credit reports, which are approximately $9.00 - $12.95 each when purchased directly from the credit bureaus.

How do I send you my credit reports?

Before you send us your reports, remember to make a copy of them and any other relevant documentation for your records. The most efficient way to get us your reports is to order them online and email them to us as an attachment, preferably as a .PDF. You can also physically mail "COPIES OF THEM" to us. Go to our Contact Us page to get mail and fax information. If you ordered your reports online and experience any difficulty in downloading or forwarding them to us, please contact us and we will walk you through the process. We will inform you upon receipt of your credit report.

When I request my report, does it count as an 'inquiry'?

You may request your report as often as you choose - without effecting your score. You have the right to view your reports as often as you like with no penalty against you. However, 'inquiries' on your credit report from potential creditors, businesses or employers do count as an inquiry and effect your credit score. This is why we have you order your credit reports and send them to us. Our goal is to improve your overall score and eliminate credit report errors.

How long should I continue to use your service?

During the credit repair process, we will continually work together and keep you informed of the status of your case. We will be forthright with our information and even discourage you from pursuing lengthy disputes if we suspect that your chances of having the credit bureau remove the item in question are improbable. We do not want you spending money needlessly. The timeliness of the credit repair process also depends on the credit bureaus. Their response times are inconsistent and unpredictable, at times quickly investigating and responding and at other times using stall letters, or not even responding. Ultimately, the decision in terms of the time you are willing to pursue disputes is up to you. We are here to provide the best credit repair services available for as long as you choose.

How Do I Update My Billing Information?

All you need to do is log into our Client Management website and click on the Account Profile tab. There you can update your billing information as well as any other relevant information like new phone numbers, email addresses or physical addresses. Of course, you can call us at anytime and we'll be happy to update your information over the phone.

How Do I Submit My Reports and Updates To Ovation?

Ovation makes it as easy as possible for you to submit your credit reports to us. You can fax them to us. You can mail them to us. You can email them to us. If you are in the area, you can drop them off at our office. You can upload them through our client management website. You can also provide user information for the website where you purchased the reports and we'll download them for you. If you can think of another way to get them us, let us know and we'll accommodate you. Our goal is to make the credit report repair process as easy and efficient for you as possible.

When Will I Get A Response From The Bureaus?

You should expect to receive updates from your creditors and the credit bureaus approximately 45 days from the date the letters are mailed. We'll notify when this happens and send you reminders as well. The updates are generally sent in white envelopes without any identifiable markings on them. Be sure to send your updates to us as soon as you receive them so we can respond accordingly.

What is the benefit to having an Assigned Case Advisor?

In our experience, there is tremendous benefit to our clients by working with an assigned case advisor. Your communication with our firm is handled primarily by one case advisor. When you call in or email us, that case advisor already knows you and is familiar with your case information. This allows for a greater detail of service and a more personalized experience. Can you imagine how nice it would be to call the phone company about your account and deal with the same person each time? We don't run our business like a call center, but there are plenty out there that do. Instead, we offer premier one-on-one personalized services for our clients.

How do I contact Ovation?

We are available for clients and non-clients alike, so if you have comments, questions, or suggestions, or would like additional information about our comprehensive services, please contact us in the manner that is most convenient for you.

Direct Access Numbers
Free Consultations - ( 866 ) 639 - 3426, option 2
New Client Sign-up by phone - ( 866 ) 639 - 3426, option 2
Existing Client Support - ( 866 ) 639 - 3426, option 1

Fax Numbers
General Purposes - ( 904 ) 737 - 5403
Credit Reports - ( 904 ) 737 - 5403
Fast Track Credit Reports - ( 904 ) 737 - 9449
If faxing documents pertaining to your case, please reference your client number on each page of your fax.

Mailing Address
Use the following address for all general mail and credit reports delivered via the US Postal Service.
Ovation Credit Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 56137
Jacksonville, FL
32241-6137
Please include your case number on all mailed correspondence. We cannot accept COD or postage owed deliveries.

Actual Street Address
Use the following address for all general mail and credit reports delivered via Federal Express, UPS, and other non US Postal Service shippers.
Ovation Credit Services, Inc.
9310 Old Kings Road South
Suite 404
Jacksonville, FL
32257
Please include your case number on all mailed correspondence. We cannot accept COD or postage owed deliveries.

Use the email addresses below to direct your email to the department you'd like to reach.
Case Information - accounts@ovationlaw.com
Web Access Issues - webmaster@ovationlaw.com
General Questions - info@ovationlaw.com
Billing Issues - billing@ovationlaw.com

What is an Initial Fraud Alert?

An initial alert stays on your credit report for at least 90 days. You may ask that an initial fraud alert be placed on your credit report if you suspect you have been, or are about to be, a victim of identity theft. An initial alert is appropriate if your wallet has been stolen or if you've been taken in by a "phishing" scam. When you place an initial fraud alert on your credit report, you're entitled to one free credit report from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies.

What is an Extended Fraud Alert?

An extended alert stays on your credit report for up to seven years. You can have an extended alert placed on your credit report if you've been a victim of identity theft and you provide the consumer reporting company with an "identity theft report." When you place an extended alert on your credit report, you're entitled to two free credit reports within twelve months from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies. In addition, the consumer reporting companies will remove your name from marketing lists for pre-screened credit offers for five years unless you ask them to put your name back on the list before then.

To place either of these alerts on your credit report or to have them removed, you will be required to provide appropriate proof of your identity: that may include your Social Security number, name, address and other personal information requested by the consumer reporting company.

When a business sees the alert on your credit report, they must verify your identity before issuing you credit. As part of this verification process, the business may try to contact you directly. This may cause some delays if you're trying to obtain credit. To compensate for possible delays, you may wish to include a cell phone number, where you can be reached easily, in your alert. Remember to keep all contact information in your alert current.

How Do I Initiate a Fraud Alert?

Fraud alerts can help prevent an identity thief from opening any more accounts in your name. Contact the toll-free fraud number of any of the three consumer reporting companies below to place a fraud alert on your credit report. You only need to contact one of the three firms to put on an alert. The firm you call is required to contact the other two, which will place an alert on their versions of your report, too.

 Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; www.equifax.com; P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
 Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742); www.experian.com; P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013
 TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; www.transunion.com;
Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

Once you place the fraud alert in your file, you're entitled to order free copies of your credit reports, and, if you ask, only the last four digits of your Social Security number will appear on your credit reports. Once you receive your credit reports, review them carefully. Look for inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you didn't open, and debts on your accounts that you can't explain. Check that information, like your Social Security number, address(es), name or initials, and employers are correct. If you find fraudulent or inaccurate information, get it removed. Continue to check your credit reports periodically, especially for the first year after you discover the identity theft, to make confirm there has not been any further unlawful activity.

Should I employ a credit monitoring service?

Some companies offer insurance or similar products that claim to give you protection against the costs associated with resolving an identity theft case. Be aware that most creditors will only deal with you to resolve problems, so the insurance company in most cases will not be able to reduce that burden. As with any product or service, make sure you understand what you're getting before you buy. If you decide to buy an identity theft insurance product, check out the company with your local Better Business Bureau, consumer protection agency and state Attorney General to see if they have any complaints on file.

What is a Debt Management Plan?

If your financial problems stem from too much debt or your inability to repay your debts, a credit counseling agency may recommend that you enroll in a debt management plan (DMP). A DMP alone is not credit counseling, and DMPs are not for everyone. You should sign up for one of these plans only after a certified credit counselor has spent time thoroughly reviewing your financial situation, and has offered you customized advice on managing your money. Even if a DMP is appropriate for you, a reputable credit counseling organization still can help you create a budget and teach you money management skills.

In a DMP, you deposit money each month with the credit counseling organization, which uses your deposits to pay your unsecured debts, like your credit card bills, student loans, and medical bills, according to a payment schedule the counselor develops with you and your creditors. Your creditors may agree to lower your interest rates or waive certain fees, but check with all your creditors to be sure they offer the concessions that a credit counseling organization describes to you. A successful DMP requires you to make regular, timely payments, and could take 48 months or more to complete. Ask the credit counselor to estimate how long it will take for you to complete the plan. You may have to agree not to apply for - or use - any additional credit while you're participating in the plan.

What is the VantageScore System?

On March 14, 2006 the nation's three main credit bureaus sent out a press release announcing that they have adopted a new credit scoring system. This new scoring system is not a whole lot different then the old FICO scoring system, but there are differences. The FICO scoring system had a different algorithm to compute the credit score for each bureau. The FICO scoring system also had a different range of scores for each bureau. This was what the credit bureaus were looking to standardize with the new VantageScore system. The VantageScore uses the exact same algorithm to compute the score for all three credit bureaus. Also, the score scale is exactly the same for all three bureaus. Here is a brief explanation of the VantageScore system. The VantageScore system will be on a scale ranging from 501-990 (the lower the score the higher the risk to potential lenders). The VantageScore also has adopted the classical academic scale to make it easier for consumers and lenders alike to understand where they rank with their score. This academic scale is grouped by the following:

A- 901-990
B- 801-900
C- 701-800
D- 601-700
E- 501-600

The VantageScore just like the FICO score will be based off the information that is reported on the credit report. It will reflect how often a consumer borrows money, how responsible borrowers are at paying back their debt on time, as well as other file content. Unfortunately the credit bureaus did not divulge how these factors would be weighted in the new VantageScore. The new VantageScore will also be more accurate when rating a consumer who has a limited credit history. This is one area in which the FICO scoring system was not very accurate.

The FICO scoring system will not be done away with; in fact it will still be used by many borrowers to evaluate those who are looking to get a line of credit. It will be up to the credit industry and the individual lenders to decide which score they use.

What is an Active Duty Military Alert?

If you are a member of the military and away from your usual duty station, you may place an active duty alert on your credit reports to help minimize the risk of identity theft while you are deployed. Active duty alerts are in effect on your report for one year. If your deployment lasts longer, you can place another alert on your credit report. When you place an active duty alert, you'll be removed from the credit reporting companies' marketing list for pre-screened credit card offers for two years unless you ask to go back on the list before then.

The process for getting and removing an alert, and a business's response to your alert, are the same as that for an initial alert. You may use a personal representative to place or remove an alert.