Credit Repair and the Tools of Ignorance

¿ You are told not to directly contact the credit-reporting agencies.

¿ You are told that the company can get you a new credit identity by applying for an employer identification number, or EIN, from the Internal Revenue Service. The pitch is that you can use this number instead of your Social Security number. If you don't own a business, this is not a legitimate way to repair your personal credit history. It is a federal crime to obtain an EIN under false pretenses.

If you've got some credit issues, the best thing to do is go to http://www.ftc.gov and get the agency's free publication, "Credit Repair: Self Help May Be Best." You can also call toll-free 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357).

I'll tell you what I told that couple. Don't waste money on a credit-repair service.

¿ On the air: Michelle Singletary discusses personal finance Tuesdays on NPR's "Day to Day" program and online athttp://www.npr.org.

¿ By mail: Readers can write to her at The Washington Post, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071.

¿ By e-mail:singletarym@washpost.com.

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