Media Release

Consumer advocate for credit reporting accuracy throws credit rating repair fee structure under the spotlight.

26 April 2012

A consumer advocate for accurate credit reporting says the fee structure for the credit rating repair industry must be investigated with a view to creating some best-practice reforms in the interests of consumers.

Graham Doessel, foundation member of an industry body in the early stages of development, the Credit Rating Repair Industry Association of Australasia (CRIAA) and CEO of credit rating repair company MyCRA, says the industry is ripe for criticism for confusing consumers due to the vast differences in fee structure across credit rating repair companies and lack of clear guidelines for advertisement and configuration of customer payments.

“Where the credit rating repair industry falls down, is that there are some inconsistencies in the way companies are delivering and advertising their services – some are not advertising their fees, some are charging way too much and delivering too little – and this creates mistrust across the board and tarnishes the reputation of what is actually a necessary service,” he explains.

This mistrust was apparent in 2010 from credit reporting agency Dun & Bradstreet, who advised consumers in a media release to be wary of third party promises to remove negative listings from credit reports.

“Dun & Bradstreet urges consumers to think carefully about these services arguing that not only are the third party fees unnecessary but promises to remove adverse events are often unfulfilled. Instead consumers should contact regulated credit reporting agencies directly to obtain a copy of their report and if they believe it contains any errors they can discuss that with the agency at no charge. If consumers do feel they need third party advice they should seek assistance from an independent financial counsellor or advisor,” Dun & Bradstreet advised (1).

Mr Doessel says a good credit rating repairer is not only valid, but crucial to getting errors removed from consumer credit files.

“Consumers are just not getting creditors to remove inconsistencies on their own. Yes, you can contact creditors and credit reporting agencies yourself and get credit file inaccuracies addressed – but it is a bit like defending yourself in Court. There’s just too much time involved in investigation, knowledge of legislation and negotiation ability required to make a successful case yourself,” he explains.

He believes the implementation of the CRIAA as an industry body to help regulate codes of conduct for its members such as fee structure should give consumers and all associated entities the chance at being able to select a credit rating repairer whatever the customer business payment model and have faith that they will do the right thing by the consumer.

“It’s about creating a level playing field for consumers – making it fair, and reasonable and giving them a system of redress from within the industry for any dodgy practices,” he says.

Mr Doessel has published a White Paper titled Credit Rating Repair Customer Costs – A Tale of Two Business Models, which examines fee structure within the credit rating repair industry and sets out some recommendations for improvement on both models (2).

One of the main points uncovered in the paper is the lack of clear advertisement of all fees and charges and definition of terms and conditions of payment across the board from credit rating repairers.

“For instance, some no win – no fee customer business models can be vague in their advertising of both when payments are due, and exactly what defines a ‘win’. Also, some customers could be left angry when they find out they are charged administration costs regardless of success when it is not stated clearly these will be charged prior to the engagement of business,” he says.

He hopes opening up for discussion customer business payment models in the credit rating repair industry will be the starting point for all relevant groups both in and out of the industry to provide their opinion on a best practice structure for customer fees.

“Both the CRIAA and myself hope that by bringing credit rating repair customer costs into focus from all arenas we can come up with a framework which is successful and fair and which we can carry forward as the first stone which cements the entire industry and takes credit rating repair to new heights of credibility,” Mr Doessel says.

/ENDS.

Please contact:

Graham Doessel – Founder CRIAA and CEO MyCRA         PH 3124 7133

Lisa Brewster – Media Relations  MyCRA    Mob: 0450 554 007  media@mycra.com.au

http://www.mycra.com.au/ www.mycra.com.au.blog

MyCRA Credit Rating Repairs is Australia’s leader in credit rating repairs. We permanently remove defaults from credit files.

(1) http://www.dnbcreditreport.com.au/latest_news/consumers_should_be_wary_of_misleading_credit_report_offers/indexdl_6144.aspx

(2) http://grahamdoessel.com/wp/credit-rating-repair-customer-costs-a-tale-of-two-business-models/