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STW have credit checked me without my permission
mikeb222
Posts: 149 Forumite
in Water bills
I don't agree with them being able to credit check me without my permission.
How are they able to get away with this?
I'm not applying for a loan.
I am paying via D/D but thats not credit surely?
I would be very interested if anyone has any views on this
How are they able to get away with this?
I'm not applying for a loan.
I am paying via D/D but thats not credit surely?
I would be very interested if anyone has any views on this
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Comments
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Check your private messages, I have sent a reply about these checks0
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i too would be interested to find out about this please
as i have just had an elert on my credit file to say that southern water have made a credit check against me but have no clue why ???
many thanks0 -
Could you not post this in the fourm!? Also haev the same problem, and need to sort this out. Help much appreciated!0
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It would seem that if you have a direct debit set up and you miss a payment as I did, they will automatically send you a solicitors letter (if you are in arrears).
Then, when you phone in to arrange a new payment set up, they credit check you without your permission.
Well, they say they have your permission by the fact that a credit check for people in arrears is stated in their T & C in their brochure.
But really, they should still tell you that you are being checked.
Anyway, I argued repeatedly about this and they gave in and removed the check.
But be prepared to fight for it's removal.
I still think they have this completely wrong.
But they removed it as a gesture of goodwill.0 -
But really, they should still tell you that you are being checked.
There is no requirement for anyone to tell you if they are carrying out a credit check on you.
If they have a valid reason, as STW certainly would, they can ask a credit reference agency for what they have on you.
The file belongs to the agency not you, they paid to compile it. In the small print of every "credit" agreement you sign there will be something that allows your details to be supplied to credit agencies.
The Law says you can look at it - and the company has to correct any incorrect data therein.
If you don't want them to hold info on you - don't use credit - simple !0 -
moonrakerz wrote: »If you don't want them to hold info on you - don't use credit - simple !
Whist your post is correct, it does raise interesting questions with water and for that matter all the Utilities.
To a greater or lesser extent you are always initially in debit with water, in that you start receiving goods(water) as soon as you move in to a property.
If you pay by Direct Debit or on receipt of bill you will still have water for some weeks before you pay.
If you are credit checked and found to have a dreadful credit record, what can a water company do about it? They can't cut you off on those grounds.
It is not until you default that they can start their debt collection procedures.0 -
If you are credit checked and found to have a dreadful credit record, what can a water company do about it? They can't cut you off on those grounds.
It is not until you default that they can start their debt collection procedures.
But they can claim the house in empty and do it then ! (as some have been doing)
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