Lexington Law, operating under the parent company Progrexion, is a well-known credit repair firm. They offer services aimed at improving clients’ credit scores by challenging negative, inaccurate, or obsolete items on their credit reports with the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
The core of Lexington Law’s service revolves around the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), a federal law that grants consumers the right to dispute inaccuracies on their credit reports. Lexington Law essentially acts as an intermediary, assisting clients in navigating the often complex process of disputing items with the credit bureaus. This includes drafting and sending dispute letters on the client’s behalf, tracking the progress of investigations, and providing guidance on how to maintain good credit habits.
Lexington Law offers different service tiers, typically structured with varying levels of credit report analysis, dispute challenges, and creditor interventions. The more comprehensive tiers often include services like cease and desist letters to creditors, inquiry challenges (addressing potentially damaging hard inquiries on a credit report), and score tracker tools. This tiered approach allows clients to choose a service level that aligns with their individual needs and budget.
While Lexington Law provides assistance with credit repair, it’s crucial to understand what credit repair *can* and *cannot* do. Legitimate credit repair companies can only challenge items that are inaccurate, outdated, or unverifiable. They cannot remove accurate negative information. A bankruptcy, late payment, or foreclosure, for example, will remain on your credit report for the legally mandated period if it is accurate. The length of time these items remain on your report varies, typically ranging from 7 to 10 years.
The credit repair industry is heavily regulated, and companies like Lexington Law must adhere to strict guidelines. They are required to provide clients with a contract outlining their services, fees, and rights. They also cannot make false or misleading claims about their ability to improve credit scores. Consumers have the right to cancel their services within a specific timeframe and are entitled to receive accurate and transparent information about the credit repair process.
It is also important to note that consumers have the right to perform credit repair themselves, free of charge. Individuals can obtain copies of their credit reports, review them for errors, and dispute any inaccuracies directly with the credit bureaus. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides resources and guidance on how to do this effectively. Lexington Law provides a convenient service for those who prefer professional assistance or find the credit repair process overwhelming, but it’s essential to weigh the costs and benefits against the option of self-repair.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to use a credit repair service like Lexington Law is a personal one. It’s crucial to carefully research the company, understand the terms of service, and consider the alternative of DIY credit repair before making a decision.