You may have received phone calls and emails advertising credit repair, but some of these offers may be fraudulent. Here are some signs that the credit repair company is attempting a scam:

• Any claim that the company can remove valid negative credit information

• Refusing to tell you your legal rights and what you can do yourself for free

• Requests for up-front payment before services are rendered

• The company asks you to apply for an employer identification number in the place of a social security number to try to start a new credit history.