BOISE -- If you are looking to repair your credit in these troubling times -- make sure you use a reputable organization.

The Idaho Department of Finance and the Federal Trade Commission took action against 36 companies for bogus credit repair offers.

In Idaho, cease and desist orders were issued against American Credit and Financial Freedom Resources. 

Both organizations illegally promised to remove accurate negative information from your credit. They also collected fees before the services were provided.

Before contacting a credit repair service make sure the organization is licensed in Idaho. 

You can also find free self-help tools on the FTC Web site at www.ftc.gov.