Georgia currently has legislation pertaining to credit repair. These laws apply to the state that the consumer is located in, not the credit repair company. Keep this in mind if you plan on doing business out of state.
**DISCLAIMER - The following information is not legal advice. We strive to keep all information updated to the best of our knowledge but regulations are subject to change frequently, without our immediate awareness. The information on this page may not be 100% accurate. We strongly urge you to do your own research and to consult with a legal professional or your local legislators before making any decisions.
Some states require registration with the overseeing entity. There may also be municipal or county regulations regarding business licensing or permits depending on your location. Consult with your local government to determine licensing requirements.
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Surety bonds are required in certain states in order to prove that the credit repair organization is operating in an ethical manner. The amount and requirements vary from state to state.
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All credit repair organizations are subject to both state and federal regulations. According to federal law, the Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA) requires all CRO's to provide contracts outlining the terms and descriptions of their services to their customers. Each individual state has different requirements regarding the language of those contracts.
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No provisions in statute.
No provisions in statute.
Anyone performing credit repair services and receiving compensation for said services is subject to the regulations in this act. However, occupations in related professions may also perform duties that may be considered credit repair. Usually, as long as someone is behaving within the course and scope of their profession and not collecting compensation, they are considered exempt from these regulations. However, these exemption requirements vary from state to state. See § 16-9-59
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None specified.
O.C.G.A. § 16-9-59
GEORGIA CODE
Copyright 2007 by The State of Georgia
All rights reserved.
*** Current through the 2007 Regular Session ***
TITLE 16. CRIMES AND OFFENSES
CHAPTER 9. FORGERY AND FRAUDULENT PRACTICES
ARTICLE 4. FRAUD AND RELATED OFFENSES
O.C.G.A. § 16-9-59 (2007)
§ 16-9-59. Operation of credit repair services organization
(a) As used in this Code section, the term:
(1) “Buyer” means any individual who is solicited to purchase or who purchases the services of a credit repair services organization.
(2)(A) “Credit repair services organization” means any person who, with respect to the extension of credit to a buyer by others, sells, provides, or performs, or represents that he can or will sell, provide, or perform, in return for the payment of money or other valuable consideration any of the following services:
(i) Improving a buyer’s credit record, history, or rating;
(ii) Obtaining an extension of credit for a buyer;
(iii) Providing advice or assistance to a buyer with regard to either division (i) or (ii) of this subparagraph.
(B) “Credit repair services organization” does not include:
(i) Any person authorized to make loans or extensions of credit under the laws of this state or the United States who is subject to regulation and supervision by this state or the United States;
(ii) Any bank or savings and loan institution whose deposits or accounts are eligible for insurance by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the Savings Association Insurance Fund of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation;
(iii) Any nonprofit organization exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
(iv) Any person licensed as a real estate broker by this state if the person is acting within the course and scope of that license;
(v) Any person licensed to practice law in this state if the person renders services within the course and scope of his or her practice as an attorney;
(vi) Any broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission if the broker-dealer is acting within the course and scope of those regulatory agencies; or
(vii) Any consumer reporting agency as defined in the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681-1681t).
(3) “Extension of credit” means the right to defer payment of debt or to incur debt and defer its payment, offered or granted primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.
(b) A person commits the offense of operating a credit repair services organization when he or she owns, operates, or is affiliated with a credit repair services organization.
(c) Any person who commits the offense of operating a credit repair services organization shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
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