Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): You have the right to dispute inaccurate information on your credit report directly with the credit bureaus, free of charge. Credit repair companies cannot charge you before performing services (Credit Repair Organizations Act).
State protections: California may have additional consumer protection laws regarding credit repair services and lending practices. Check with the California Attorney General's office or Department of Financial Services for state-specific regulations.
Free resources: You can get a free credit report from each bureau annually at AnnualCreditReport.com. HUD-approved housing counselors in San Francisco offer free financial guidance — search at consumerfinance.gov.