Query on Credit file - again!

LollyLou_2

Hi,

Just checked my credit file and have noticed that I have 25 linked addresses. Some of these relate back to 1997 when I was still living at home with my parents. The credit accounts that I opened during this time are now all closed and are no longer on my credit report - so should the address be? ANd will this have an affect on my score?

Also I have not made any applications for credit for 13 months - will this have a negative effect on my score? (I haven't done this for the simple reason that I already have sufficient debt, thank you very much!) There are however many searches by CRA's which (I think) relate to when I have asked to see my credit score on experian, became slightly obsessed! Again, will these be seen as "negative searches" by a potential creditor?

And finally....Should I try and apply for some credit sometime soon???

Thanks everyone )

davek1

LollyLou

not sure about the linked addresses but it would seem reasonable to assume that if dates are shown re the varying addresses then most lenders will draw the appropriate conclusions. however moving around too much does affect your credit score.

when a company searches your file they wont see the same information you do. they will only see tracks left by other financial institutions or lenders. You however are entitled to see your entire file which will show hidden tracks.

i know this to be correct as i use experian and eqifax for work. We carry out searches for the purpose of fraud investigation and detection. these are coded as such and hidden from lenders searching but if you ask to see a copy of your file you will be able to see those searches.

Before the obvious question from anyone we dont leave traces indicating you are either suspected of or have committed fraud in any way whatsoever simply that your file has been accessed for the purposes of an investigation by a public body.

Hope this helps feel free to ask me further if i can help i will.

Dave

LollyLou_2

Hi Devek1 and thanks so much for responding )

What are these hidden files and how do I go about requesting them??? Can you expand on what you describe as "hidden tracks"? I thought that all references to credit agreements (including addresses associated to these) were removed from your credit file after 6 years?

Also, what do you think about a possible application for credit? Personally I really don't feel I need to (I have 2 existing cc and a loan) but what about a low limit cc where I spend maybe £40-£50 per month and clear the balance in full every month. Do you think this a good idea considering I haven't applied for a loan or cc for over 12months?


Finally, will the searches relating to my request to check my credit score, affect my score???

Its a mindfield all this stuff!!!!!!!!!

davek1

Lolly

hidden tracks are tracks that show you requesting sight of your file a statutory body such as police benefits agency, local authority or other statutory body charged with criminal investigation accessing your file. Perfectly legal under section 29 (3) DPA for prevention and detection of crime. You will see these tracks when you get a copy of your file but lenders wont be able to see them at all. so time limits dont apply, although they only remain for a limited time ( cant remember exactly how long but it is much less than 6 years)These are not tracks relating to credit agreements etc, nor will they have any impact on decisions relating to credit.

Personally i wouldn't take on more credit than you need its so tempting as i have found out to my cost. You have a credit history which is checkable and presumably you are on the voters roll which would be the biggest stumbling block to obtaining any credit in your present situation. If you have existing credit agreements and these are bing paid on time then that is a good reflection being shown in your credit file. You really dont need to add to these, obviously your choice ultimatley.

Your requests to see your credit file do not in any way impact on your ability to get credit nor does it affect your score. generally credit reference agencies dont credit score this is done by the lender using the information contained in credit files.

personally i think you should be fine. I'm sure someone will correct me if i'm wrong.

Dont get to worried about hidden tracks its highly unlikely that 95% of people will ever have any of these on ther credit files anyway. Hopedfully this hasn't opened another can of worms.

Dave

*Sparkle*_3

Linked addresses dont effect your credit rating unless you are the person that is being investigated with fraud etc, the linked addresses are just places that you have lived at where someone has used the address to make fraudulent applications to credit cards etc. Thats what eqifax told me!