What negative items can be removed from my credit report?

Collections, late payments, charge-offs, bankruptcies, foreclosures, tax liens, civil judgments, hard inquiries, and incorrect personal information can all potentially be disputed. Under FCRA §623, furnishers (creditors and collection agencies) must investigate disputes and report accurate information. If they cannot verify the item as accurate, it must be removed.

How does CFPB escalation work in credit repair?

If a credit bureau or furnisher verifies an item without proper investigation, we file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Federal law requires the company to respond within 15 business days. According to CFPB complaint data, consumers receive relief in a significant portion of credit reporting complaints.

What's the difference between credit repair and debt settlement?

Credit repair addresses the accuracy of items on your credit report under FCRA law. Debt settlement is negotiating to pay less than you owe. They serve different purposes — credit repair fixes your report, debt settlement resolves the underlying debt. Many clients benefit from both approaches.

Do I really need professional credit repair?

You can dispute items yourself, but professional credit repair saves time and increases success rates. We understand specific FCRA and FDCPA provisions, craft legally-grounded dispute letters, and know when and how to escalate to the CFPB. According to industry data, consumers who work with professionals see results 2-3x faster than DIY approaches.

How Credit Repair Works — Simple Step-by-Step Process

Q: How long does credit repair take?

Most clients see meaningful results within 30 to 60 days. Bureaus have 30 days under FCRA §611 to investigate a dispute (extendable to 45 days if you send additional information). CFPB complaints often receive a response within 15 business days. Complex cases with multiple items typically resolve within 90 to 120 days.

📊 Most clients see results within 30-60 days · $79/mo starting price · 90-day guarantee

Step 1

Free Credit Assessment

You sign up for a free assessment. We review your credit reports from all three bureaus and identify every inaccurate, unverifiable, or outdated negative item. According to the FTC, 1 in 5 consumers has an error on at least one credit report.

Step 2

Custom Dispute Strategy

Every negative item gets a targeted approach based on the type of issue and how it's being reported. We build a personalized plan designed to maximize results — no template letters, no cookie-cutter solutions.

Step 3

Disputes Filed on Your Behalf

We file disputes with all three credit bureaus. Each one is tailored to your specific situation and the specific items on your report. Federal law requires the bureaus to investigate and respond within a set timeframe.

Step 4

Escalation When Needed

If a bureau or creditor doesn't properly investigate, we don't stop there. We have escalation paths to make sure your disputes get the attention they deserve.

Step 5

Track & Verify Results

We monitor all three reports for changes. Removed items are verified against your updated reports. We keep pushing on every actionable item until resolution. You receive regular updates on exactly where things stand.

Step 6

Score Improvement & Rebuilding

With negative items removed, your score climbs naturally. We also provide credit rebuilding strategies to help you build a stronger profile — better credit means better rates on mortgages, auto loans, and business funding.

Frequently Asked Questions About Credit Repair

Common questions about how credit repair works under federal law.

What is credit repair and is it legal?

Credit repair is the process of disputing inaccurate, unverifiable, or outdated negative items on your credit report under federal law. It is 100% legal and your right as a consumer. Federal law gives you the right to dispute any information on your credit report that is inaccurate or incomplete.

How long does credit repair take?

Most clients see meaningful results within 30 to 60 days. Federal law requires credit bureaus to investigate and respond to disputes within a set timeframe, and we keep pushing until every actionable item is resolved.

What negative items can be removed?

Collections, late payments, charge-offs, bankruptcies, and other negative items can all potentially be disputed. If a creditor or collection agency cannot verify an item, it must be removed from your report.

Can I do credit repair myself?

Yes, you can dispute items yourself. But professional credit repair saves time and increases success rates. We understand how to craft effective disputes and know when and how to escalate when results aren't coming. Clients who work with professionals typically see results faster than DIY approaches.

How is Untapped FS different from other credit repair companies?

We take a strategic approach to credit repair. Every case is handled with a focus on getting results — not just sending generic letters. We escalate when bureaus don't comply, and we offer free initial assessments so you know what's possible before committing.

What results can I expect?

Results vary by individual situation. Typical results include collections removed, late payments corrected, and charge-offs updated. We set realistic expectations and never promise specific score increases.

How We Help You Fix Your Credit