There are credit-counseling agencies, credit-cleaning agencies, and consultants who, for a fee, claim to be able to improve your credit and teach you how to investigate and resolve disputes on your behalf. There are also nonprofit consumer credit-counseling agencies, which are widespread and honest. If you cannot locate such an agency and are considering hiring a consultant for a fee, be sure that such a person or business demonstrates his or her credentials and that you are not overbilled. For maximum protection, consider hiring a certified public accountant, attorney, or similar professional and that a written agreement be furnished to you in advance disclosing the maximum amount of fees and costs to be charged and what will be accomplished. If possible, personally interview and ask for references before paying fees.

• More than 50 percent of all negative information is often removed from a credit file following the first verification inquiry letter, so take action immediately. In many situations, the elimination of these errors alone may immediately change you from a negative credit risk to a positive one.

• Be persistent. Department stores and other businesses want your business and goodwill and may be inclined to change your credit history or eliminate the transaction under dispute 1 if you are persuasive and courteous,

• Loan and credit institutions use a job classification system in determining and establishing a credit background. For example, companies are more inclined to extend credit to teachers than to actors. If there is a different way to list your job classification or verify longer, permanent employment, it maybe a good idea to do so provided no material misstatements are included.

• Visa or MasterCard members with poor credit can often obtain instant credit from department stores that issue their own credit cards. Then, when you charge a purchase and make a timely payment, you may have enhanced your credit rating even though your older record may not be favorable.

• You may be able to improve your credit history by asking a subscriber with whom you have a favorable relationship to contact a credit bureau and record this relationship on your account.

• Compare your credit report with your records at least once a year to monitor any problems or inconsistencies and stop potential problems before your credit reputation is impaired.

• If you are having a temporary problem paying your bills, consider paying off all small bills first. You may be able to keep a positive credit history by eliminating a lot of creditors. Also, larger creditors often do not report arrears for several months, so you may be able to buy some time and not have your credit rating impaired. Recognize that women sometimes unfairly encounter credit problems, particularly older married women. Fortunately, the federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act gave women protection from credit discrimination. However, if you were married before 1977 (when the law was enacted), your credit activities may still be reflected in your husband's report and it may be difficult or impossible to obtain credit in your own name.

To increase the chances of establishing your own credit, it is suggested that you:

• open a bank account in your own name

• ask that all credit be reported in your complete name (i.e., "Gwen Smith," not "Mrs. Steven Smith")

• obtain one credit card and several store charge cards in your own name and not your husband's name

• consider building a separate credit identity using your maiden name where warranted

• consider applying for a "secured" credit card if you have difficulty qualifying for a regular credit card because you lack a credit history. Although these cards look and spend like other charge cards, they differ from conventional cards because holders are required to deposit an amount in a bank account at least equal to the amount of their card's credit limit.

• attempt to have a parent or relative cosign and assume responsibility for any debts you incur in order to help you initially qualify for a credit card. Once you establish your creditworthiness and a good credit history, you will then have no problem getting other cards (of a type of your choosing) on your own.

  Finally, understand that there is no guarantee to a favorable credit rating, particularly in instances where:

• no credit file has been established

• you previously filed for bankruptcy protection or had your wages garnished, assets repossessed or attached, or were found guilty of delinquent child support

• you recently moved or you are unable to verify employment, income, furnish credit references, or adequately complete credit applications

Consumer-related credit fraud is on the rise. Numerous scams are popular, including loan brokers and "Professionals" who take cash payments from customers needing jobs or those having poor credit desiring to buy homes or facing mortgage foreclosures. Unfortunately, most of these people promise to help but do nothing.

One advance-fee loan operation was the subject of hundreds of complaints from consumers from out of state. The company solicited through classified ads and telemarketing and persuaded consumers with poor credit to send between $200 and $800 for guaranteed loans that never materialized. Postal inspectors eventually brought charges against the principals and seized their assets.

Other tips to avoid related credit fraud include:

• Avoid using loan brokers or other credit professionals who demand a fee in advance.

• Use 900 numbers with caution, since even a single call could cost you more than $100.

• Since dubious credit and mortgage fixers, loan brokers, and job finders flourish in times of economic recession, be wary of individuals and firms you have never heard about or can't receive favorable references about.

• Always inquire about an individual's or a firm's reputation by contacting your local Better Business Bureau or consumer protection agency to discover whether any complaints have been previously filed.

There are many types of charge cards, including credit cards, travel and entertainment cards, bank credit cards, premium cards, and secured credit cards. Each offers different advantages, costs, and billing practices. When shopping for charge cards, weigh these factors:

• interest rate

• annual fee

• acceptance by merchants

• grace periods before payment is required or penalties imposed

• availability of cash advances

• fringe benefits, including flight insurance, collision coverage on rental cars, telephone and travel discounts

If your card is lost or stolen, report this within 24 hours so you will not be responsible for unauthorized charges in excess of $50 per card. Although loss of a card may do you no major financial harm, it can interfere with your credit if you do not report the loss immediately.

Never lend your card, do not disclose your account number over the telephone to anyone you do not know, and check all statements promptly for unauthorized transactions.

The Fair Credit Billing Act of 1974 offers significant protection against billing errors made by the card issuer or the merchant. Billing errors for which the issuing bank is responsible include failure to record payments that you made and mathematical errors in totaling your charges or calculating the finance charge.

Billing errors for which merchants are responsible include charges for items you did not order or never received; items delivered to the wrong address, in the wrong quantity, or so much later than promised that the bill arrived before the item; and items that turned out to be different from what you ordered.