The Credit Repair Organizations Act is federal law. It gives you specific rights when working with a credit repair company.
Your rights - A written contract disclosing services and total cost - A three-day right to cancel with no penalty - Fees may only be charged after services are performed - Truthful advertising and no false promises
Red flags to walk away from - Upfront lump-sum fees for future work - Guarantees of specific score increases - Suggestions to create a "new" credit file - Refusal to explain the process in writing
Any firm you work with should welcome these questions.