Credit scores aren’t “made-up BS”, but credit repair often is.
You dad should have explained all of this to you, but I'm happy to help out
In this special Dad Explains / Dad Ruins crossover, I break down how credit scores and credit reports actually work, where they came from, how lenders use them, and why so many credit repair companies are either ineffective, unethical, or outright illegal.
We’ll cover: What credit scores really measure (and what they don’t) How Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion fit into the system FICO vs VantageScore — and why one actually matters How credit is damaged in boring, real-world ways What credit repair companies promise vs what they legally can do CPNs, “new credit identities,” tradeline piggybacking, and other dangerous scams Real FTC and CFPB enforcement actions
This isn’t financial advice. It’s reality — explained like a dad would explain it.
If you or someone you care about has struggled with credit, or has been tempted by “fast credit fixes,” this video could save them a lot of money — and legal trouble.
Drop your credit repair horror stories in the comments
Like, subscribe, and share this with someone who needs boring, honest credit advice
00:00 - Are Credit Scores “Made-Up BS”? NO. 00:17 - Would you give your brother a loan? 03:09 - Why Credit Scores Exist, and what are they? 04:44 - VantageScore is, uh... different 05:34 - Credit Score vs Credit Report 06:48 - How Credit Is Used Outside of Loans 08:08 - How Credit Is Commonly Damaged 08:48 - What Credit Repair Companies Promise 10:02 - Illegal Credit Repair Tactics 11:56 - CPNs and “New Credit Identities” 12:28 - Fake Credit Cards & Tradeline Piggybacking 16:01 - How to Spot Credit Repair Scams 16:45 - Legit credit repair services 17:18 - Nonprofit Credit Counseling (What Works) 18:32 - Free Credit Reports & Monitoring 19:28 - Legitimate Dispute Rights 20:24 - Secured Cards & Credit-Builder Loans 21:00 - Rent & Utility Reporting Programs 21:39 - When Bankruptcy or Legal Help Makes Sense 22:11 - Real Credit Repair Is Boring
