Can debt collection agencies trace me if I check my credit report?

shefbud85

Thanks for reading this

ziknik

Why don’t you get your credit report sent to your mums house? They have that address already.

stephane_2

The answer is "NO" they will not be able to trace you if looking at your credit report (they are not MI5!!!), so feel free to do so as many times as you like. In case they get in touch with you in the future or before the 6 years are up since the last payment was made, then start proceeding to get them to send you a copy of the agreement you sign at the time and see what they come up with

jonathon

are you sure ? if you get a credit report sent to your new address wont this show up on your credit report as your last a address.If not how do debt collectors trace you

NickX

Surely you would be better holding tight for another year so that the debt is definitely "statute barred" before doing anything with regard to credit. Remember these financial institutions are sharing more and more data than they have ever done in the past.

CannyJock

You can look at your Experian report online if you're really worried.

Looking at your credit report will put an enquiry to say that you've looked at it that only you and the credit reference agency can see - not any outside agencies - so they can't tell you've looked at it.

Useful article on http://www.moneyextra.com/guides/what-you-need-to-know-about-your-credit-report.html

In particular

Who can see my credit report?
You have a right to see your report of course. Lenders who pay a subscription to the credit reference agencies can also check your report with your consent.

CLAPTON

CannyJock wrote: »

You can look at your Experian report online if you're really worried.

Looking at your credit report will put an enquiry to say that you've looked at it that only you and the credit reference agency can see - not any outside agencies - so they can't tell you've looked at it.

Useful article on http://www.moneyextra.com/guides/what-you-need-to-know-about-your-credit-report.html

In particular

they already have his consent... he gave that to them when he applied for credit..its a standard condition.

yes if you get an credit report they will update your address and that may alert your creidtors.

CannyJock

CLAPTON wrote: »

they already have his consent... he gave that to them when he applied for credit..its a standard condition.

yes if you get an credit report they will update your address and that may alert your creidtors.

Sure the card company would have authorisation, but the debt collection agency are a third party. If they did search it would be recorded on your credit report for you to see.

Either way, looking at your Experian report online won't affect the address recorded one way or another.

daily_2

You're probably already creating hassle for your mum, as the 6 years approaches, the phone calls will start. In all likelihood, your credit report has your current address, difficult to go through life without a credit check

PaulW922

I think it is important to clarify one point here. If you get a copy of your report, either by post or online, and say to Experian, I used to live here at address A, I am now here at address B, that WILL create a link between the two addresses on your file. BCW will not know you have checked your own file but they will be able to see that link.

I agree with Ziknik's advice - get the report sent to your Mum's address. Don't have it sent to your current address.

never-in-doubt

stephane wrote: »

The answer is "NO" they will not be able to trace you if looking at your credit report (they are not MI5!!!), so feel free to do so as many times as you like. In case they get in touch with you in the future or before the 6 years are up since the last payment was made, then start proceeding to get them to send you a copy of the agreement you sign at the time and see what they come up with

I think you'll find they can and do use the data you supply when you apply for the file, and sell it to tracing companies. It is a well known fact and if you email Experian they'll actually confirm this to you

OP - The debt will be statute barred in 2010 so whatever you do - DO NOT ACCEPT LIABILITY OR RESPOND TO THE DCA! After 6yrs (+1mth) it will drop off your file, if not you write to the CRA and they will remove it for you..... whatever you do, don't admit to owing this or pay anything!

Personally, i'd wait on credit until the default/entry disappears next year :T

Regards to the address to get it sent to, if you've any credit whatsoever at your address, do not use your mums address as this will alert not only cifas but also N Hunter and to be honest you'll shoot yourself in the foot and it'd be the same as walking into BCW with a red flag shouting come and get me! Just sit tight for a year!