Frequently Asked Questions

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, assign you a case advisor and prepare your case for disputing. All of this is done before you spend a penny!

First Payment

Your first payment includes a customized case setup, assignment to your personal case advisor, a comprehensive case review, and preparation and mailing of the first round of your custom dispute letters. Although billing information is collected and authorized at sign up, your credit card is not actually charged until after these services have been completed, or at the end of the first month, whichever comes first.

Each Additional Month

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 rendered.

Ovation Inc. has staff attorneys with 10 years specializing in credit repair and consumers rights.

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.

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 notifying the State Bar Association in the law firm's respective state. Your cooperation in the 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Please visit the Contact Us web page on our site and contact one of our representatives at your convenience to learn more about your credit report repair options.

As a law firm, we are 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.

For a brief overview of how the credit repair process works, you can read about our credit repair process or click on the view a video about the process at our Video Center.

Ovation is proud to offer a couples' discount for couples that seek our services. To qualify as a couple, we simply require each client to have the same mailing address.

Although you sign up as a couple at a discounted price, we still set up two separate accounts to ensure the best service and results possible.

To provide the best results for our clients, we also 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. 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 then they are required by law to remove or update the incorrect information.

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.

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 attorneys and case analysts 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.

The personal information that we collect is limited to the information that you provide to us when you sign up for 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 in order for us to provide our service.

All personal information that is provided to and maintained by Ovation is available for review and edit directly through our online Client Access Center. Additionally, you may contact us if you would like us to review and edit your personal information for you.

We collect personal information to enroll you in our service and to provide our services for you. Once you have retained Ovation, we use you personal information to correct inaccuracies, mistakes, and misleading items on your credit reports. Additionally, we use your personal information to provide you with superior customer service, and to communicate with you regarding your case. We also use your personal information to keep you up to date on the latest service announcements, feature updates, special offers, and other information we think you would like to hear about.

We collect information about you at the time you sign up for our service, and any time we enter information from your credit report into our database in order to facilitate your service, particularly for our Dispute Manager^TM pages where you may continually update your information and review the status of your case. All personal information our clients provide is stored in a secure database for the sole purpose of rendering our services to you.

When you browse Ovation's web site, you are able to do so anonymously. Generally, we don't collect personal information when you browse - not even your email address. Your browser, however, does automatically tell us the type of computer and operating system you are using.

Because Ovation is a law firm, we maintain strict confidence of your personal information. The ability to communicate with our clients during any part of the credit recovery process is absolutely essential and, as a result, your personal information may be shared internally with other Ovation employees. They will protect your personal information in accordance with the Ovation Customer Privacy Policy.

Ovation works with other companies that help us provide Ovation services to you, and we may provide your personal information to these companies. For example, should we need to forward written documents to you we give shipping companies this information so they can deliver more efficiently. The information they receive is for shipping and delivery purposes only, and we require that the companies safeguard your personal information in accordance with Ovation's policies.

Ovation will not share, sell, transfer or convey your personal information to any unaffiliated companies or third parties which are not necessary to perform our services unless you specify otherwise.

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 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 and credit card or checking account information while it is transmitted over the Internet.

Our clients typically start seeing results in 45-60 days. Because everyone's case is different, some cases are completed in that time, and others can take 6 months or longer. 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'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!

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 'negative' items on your report, your score may increase during the process because the negative item is removed until it is verified. 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 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.

Each creditor has different requirements and receives their credit report updates on different schedules. Therefore, your responses from creditors will vary.

During this time, we recommend that you apply the methods listed in our e-manual: What You Need to Know About Credit, available through our Education Center. The document includes methods for improving your credit score as well as your specific consumer credit rights.

You have the right to be considered fairly, without discrimination when applying for credit. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) ensures that all consumers are given an equal chance to obtain credit. This doesn't mean that every consumer who applies for credit will receive it. Factors such as income, expenses, debt, and credit history are considerations for creditworthiness.

The law protects you when you deal with any creditor who regularly extends credit, including banks, small loan and finance companies, retail and department stores, credit card companies, and credit unions. Anyone involved in granting credit, such as real estate brokers who arrange financing, is covered by the law. Businesses applying for credit also are protected by the law.

As your negative credit report item is being disputed your scores can fluctuate, so it is in your best interest to wait until the disputing process is complete before you apply for additional credit.

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.

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.

By September, 2005, every consumer will be able to get a copy of their credit report for free. 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, from annualcreditreport.com.

Ovation has successfully removed bankruptcies from our clients' credit reports.

It would be irresponsible for anyone to recommend (or not recommend) bankruptcy to you without an in-depth, qualified evaluation of your situation. Many bankruptcy lawyers offer a free initial consultation, so if you are seriously considering bankruptcy, shop around and meet with a few lawyers who offer the free consultation and see which firm you feel would most effectively serve your needs.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy are legal proceedings that are available to a person in severe financial distress. Bankruptcy laws provide for the development of a plan that allows a debtor, who is unable to pay his creditors, the opportunity to resolve his debts through the division of his non-exempt assets among creditors (depending on the bankruptcy chapter filed)

For qualified applicants, bankruptcy can mean a fresh financial start and an opportunity to build a secure future. But remember, bankruptcy does have far-reaching and long-lasting effects, and should be considered only as a last resort.

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.

You may request your report as often as you choose - without affecting 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 affect 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.

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.

When disputing items and accounts on your credit report keep in mind that it is always easier to pursue deletions when accounts have been paid off (zero balance). It is advantageous to pay your account off because:

1. It facilitates the dispute process
2. Further collection activities are ceased
3. It is an agreed-upon financial obligation

Once a collector has an account paid off (and has documented proof), credit bureaus generally do not pursue verifying that information - unlike an open account. As a collection tactic, the bureaus prefer to invest their time and efforts in verifying negative information. Whenever possible, it is in your best interest to pay off your accounts.

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 unethical collectors harassing you for the original balance later.

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 reflects the budgeting habits and/or financial responsibility of a consumer, through past and present credit accounts. Creditors use the score to 'predict' how a consumer will treat their potential financial obligation.

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. (A percentage of the approximate emphasis assigned for each factor is shown in parentheses after the category; however, keep in mind that these figures are not 'absolute' and companies may consider different factors.).

• Payment History (35%): Your payment history contains information about how you paid your bills and whether you have any delinquencies, late payments, etc. on various types of accounts.
• Outstanding Debt (30%) Your credit score is adversely affected if you owe amounts at or near your credit limit, so if possible, split the balance and transfer some of the debt to a second card.
• Length of Credit History (15%) The longer you have maintained your accounts, the better it reflects on your credit report.
• Recent Inquiries (10%) Recent applications for several new accounts may negatively affect your score. If you inquire about special promotions it should not affect your credit report.
• Types of Credit Currently in Use (10%) Loans from finance companies generally lower your credit score. According to FICO, this is heavily relied upon when there is little other credit history upon which to base a score.

Credit scores range between 300 and 850. The higher your score, the more likely you are to qualify for additional credit. (Scores above 700 are considered excellent.)

While there is a specific formula to calculate scores, it 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.

We suggest it is best to keep as many accounts paid off as possible. What you choose to do with these accounts once they have been paid off, however, is up to you.

Having 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.

Some other things that will affect your credit score are payment history, balances, amount owed on balances, length of credit history and new credit sought. Another factor that helps determine credit scores is how many (credit) cards have debt over 50% of the balance, and how many have low balances.

Visit Ovation'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.

There are many possible reasons a creditor decided to deny you further credit. One scenario, for example, is that the creditor receives updated credit reports, only once a year. Their report may be outdated by 11 months 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.

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) ensures that all consumers are given an equal chance to obtain credit. This doesn't mean that every consumer who applies for credit will receive it. Factors such as income, expenses, debt, and credit history are considerations for creditworthiness.The law protects you when you deal with any creditor who regularly extends credit, including banks, small loan and finance companies, retail and department stores, credit card companies, and credit unions. Anyone involved in granting credit, such as real estate brokers who arrange financing, is covered by the law. Businesses applying for credit also are protected by the law.

Ovation 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!

Each bureau has a different method of determining your score, and they each have different information and sources. That means they are all going to have different scores for you, and that as we deal with items on your reports it will affect those scores differently.

Unfortunately, many credit repair agencies have taken advantage of the rising demand of credit restoration, posing as full service credit repair agencies, providing little to no real service and then quickly disappearing. Many of these 'companies' made promises they couldn't, or didn't intend to keep, only to take the money and vanish. Several of these agencies even encouraged consumers to use unethical and even illegal tactics to 'clean' their credit reports.

Increased consumer complaints about these unscrupulous credit repair opportunists prompted the FTC to impose strict regulations on credit repair agencies in an effort to protect consumers from further credit repair scams. Even with these regulations in place, we recommend that you carefully compare companies before making your final decision.

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 credit restoration 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.

Please refer to "Making Sense out of Your Credit Report Rating".

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:

• The Credit Report Source

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, from annualcreditreport.com. The three main credit reporting agencies are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Annualcreditreport.com is a centralized service created by these three agencies for consumers to request annual credit reports.

For contact information on the three major credit bureaus, see our visit our Education Center.