Yet another "credit check failed" thread (Virgin Mobile)

Andaah

Hi all.:money:

After being on a paygo for years and years, I've finally decided that it makes sense to get a contract. So yesterday I popped down to Virgin (whom I have my TV, Phone and Internet with) and found a phone and then they entered my details but I was DENIED!

Anyway, here's my situation. In Feb I moved from Stoke on Trent into a flat in Southend (which apparently had some dodgy people living in it before). I am 23 and spent university flirting with my overdraft and the odd missed BT bill due to being the represenative for 4 people and often they would be slow in paying. I am not yet on the electoral register either.

So basically, am I a no-go when it comes to this sort of thing? Is there a chance it was simply a missed letter in the application and should I go and do it again today? What can I do to improve my rating if it's bad?

And if I do try again today should I use my old home addy in Stoke?

Jon_01

The more times you try and fail the worse it make your credit file. Only you know how good/bad you credit history is.
Putting an address that you haven't lived at since Feb isn't a good idea, that'll also flag up on your file.

You could try phones 4 you or Carphone warehouse, they do their own credit checking rather than using the network and can be very 'forgiving' if they want a sale. . .

Malky

Not being on the electoral role won't help

Andaah

Right, I've done the equifax credit check and the lady on the phone explained that it's probably only the electoral roll that is letting me down. So I dropped in a form to apply and I've been told it won't go on til the first of September!

So what am I supposed to do between now and then? I need a phone for business and mine has packed up and I have other things that I'll be needing credit checks for. This seems a little silly to have to be on hold until Sept.

Any suggestions?

Jon_01

The systems there to stop people 'pretending' to be someone their not.
You wouldn't like it if someone took out half a dozen mobiles under your name and trashed your credit file.

If you want a business acc, as long as you can provide business proofs they don't do the same credit check as they do for domestic customers.

Andaah

Bah, it just annoys me as I've been ticking along, not running up debts with cards or missing payments. Then when I need to get something back from the system it closes ranks. At least that's how it feels.

Well, not quite 'business', It'd still be a personal phone though. I'm a trainee teacher and I need to be in contact with dozens of people whilst answering emails and generally organising everything around my training providers, two training schools and the council. I'm well and truly hamstrung.

EDIT: Also, Virgin told me that Equifax run their credit checks for them. Now during the process of getting my report I sent them copies of a passport, driving licence and proof of address for my current addy (just moved in). So how come, after running around to provide those they won't recognise it for anythign else?

Jon_01

If you've a good friend, they could take out a contract and you could pay them. Then after Sept they could transfer it into your name. That's one way round the problem...

Andaah

Only friend I have here is my missus who has a mobile phone contract but just moved and aint on the register either.

jadex

Can't you phone Virgin and ask about adding another service (mobile phone) to your package?
Or go to http://allyours.virginmedia.com/html/mobile/existing.html where you will be able to put your account number in the box and then proceed to upping your package?
Alternatively, ASDA's, TESCO's Lite and IKEA's PAYG are cheap (8-9p per minute).
Your best solution depends on how many minutes do you REALLY need.
For instance, I have audited my usage and was able to trimm down my costs from £15pm to £5 every 90 days.

Malky

Why not go PAYG until Sept then port your number over?

Andaah

Ok, stress over! (I hate feeling helpless - sorry if I got stroppy with anyone)

I just spoke to a lovely lady on the phone after spending an hour calling around varous Virgin Mobile/Media call centres (American, Indian, Northern Irish, Geordie and finally Midland accents) and she told me what to do. I'll add it here if it'll be of use to anyone.

She said that if I write to their Credit Strategy Team and explain my situation and add in the fact that I am a Virgin Media customer in good credit (with them) and that I won't be on the register until Sept. The addy is:

FAO Virgin Mobile Credit Strategy Team
Willow Grove House
Windsor Road
White Horse Business Park
Trowbridge
Wilt!!!!!
BA14 OXH

Hopefully some of you regulars can pass this on to anyone in a similar situation. I'll post here with how it went.

Cheers!