You've probably seen one of their ads. Headquartered in Calgary, Canada Credit Fix promotes itself as the nation's number one credit repair agency, and it markets itself aggressively. The company does business under multiple names -- including Canada Credit Repair, Credit Fixers, Credit Secure, Credit Builders and Credit Vault -- and it promises consumers that it will help them erase years of credit damage.

Creating advertorials at lightning speed, the aggressive young consulting firm -- which, according to the Better Business Bureau, has an A- rating -- has recently generated some controversial marketing messages. Here's what you need to know to sort out the truth from the sales pitches.

The claim: Access free credit repair and debt settlement services.
Canada Credit Fix's website and online promotions advertise a number of free offers, including a 100 percent free credit consultation.
The truth: Ongoing services come with fine print restrictions that require paid membership. "Free" credit repair and debt settlement services are bundled with credit analysis, score booster services, individual coaching and identity theft insurance. For a 12-month membership, each bundle costs at least $499, plus the 5 percent General Goods and Services Tax (GST). The initial consultation requires that you fill out an application.
Tip: To identify hidden charges, itemize all costs up front.

The claim: Fix, clean and repair your bad credit report.
That enticement is from a recent company posting on Facebook. Another online ad asks, "Want those collections, judgments or even that bankruptcy to fall right off your credit report?" Yet Canada Credit Repair president Sheldon Wolf insists, "We are very clear with all of our members and only help with legitimate disputes or violations."
The truth:  There are no "loopholes" or special laws that enable credit repair companies to remove valid information from your credit report, according to Industry Canada's Office of Consumer Affairs.
Tip: You can correct your credit report without hiring a credit repair agency. Contact the creditor directly or approach Equifax and TransUnion, Canada's credit reporting bureaus.

The claim: Boost your personal credit score.
"Canada Credit Fix was able to help remove both a foreclosure and a judgment from my credit report. My score has jumped from 590 to 714 in a less than 45 days." That excerpt is one of many remarkable testimonials on the company's website.
The truth: How long information affecting your credit score stays on your credit report depends on where you live, advises the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada. In most provinces, bankruptcies and legal judgments must stay on your credit report for six or seven years.
Tip: Rebuild your credit rating by paying all your bills on time.

The claim: Pay 10 cents on the dollar.
"Cut your debts to 10 cents on the dollar" is just one example of marketing buzz from a Canada Credit Fix infomercial on YouTube. President Wolf clarifies, "However the public needs to be aware that not all debts and loans can be settled for that low and many of our customers simply don't even request a discount."
The truth: Canada Credit Fix doesn't provide debt settlement statistics. In fact, its online legal agreement states: "We have not made any guarantees or made representations regarding success rates or financial benefits in any way."

In contrast, American credit consultant New Era Debt Solutions specifies an average:

• 43.73 percent settlement amount,
• 27.73-month timeline to finalize debt payments, and a
• 19.93 percent client drop-out rate.

Tip: Before signing a credit repair agency contract, always read the fine print.

The claim: Canada Credix Fix is the go-to media outlet  for credit information.
Canada Credit Fix has invested heavily in using social media daily to broadcast their credit repair services.
The truth:The debt-settlement consultant bombards consumers with daily marketing messages including:

• online classified ads,
• press releases,
• Facebook postings,
• Twitter tweets and
• videos.

One recent viral campaign features Canada Credit Fix refusing Hitler's credit application.
Tip: Use social media tools like Social Mention and Surcher to research consumer complaints against credit repair companies.

Remember, just because Canada Credit Fix is king of social media -- and you're feeling financially stressed -- you should still verify their ability to repair your credit score. If a claim seems too good to be true, it probably is.