Help! Default on my Credit Report I didn't know about.

Lefs

Back in 2006, I got some things off the Next Directory website. I entered my card details and thought I'd paid them. When I got my quarterly bank account statement, there wasn't any debit from Next so I called them up. They said I'd missed the payment on the account and had charged me a late fee. I argued with them that they hadn't sent me any notification that they'd opened me up an account, and no notification that I'd missed said payment.

I to-and-fro'd with them over a couple of weeks, saying I was happy to pay what was outstanding but not any fees. After 3 weeks of arguing they accepted this and I cleared what was outstanding. The whole thing took just over 3 months to sort out from me ordering to realising they hadn't charged me to finally paying what was outstanding.

I've just had a copy of my credit file for the first time and they've placed a default on it! It is showing as settled but that's not the point.

After getting myself in a mess of debt while being a student, I am almost on the way to being debt free. Apart from two other 1 month late payments on my credit file, this is the only bad thing! I only checked when I was turned down for an overdraft on a new bank account, and I'm really upset.

The really stupid thing is the whole amount was £67. I was going to write to Next requesting they take it off, but I don't have my account number, and they told me when I phoned for it they can't provide it for me.

What can I do? It's been such a struggle to sort out big credit card bills and overdrafts to find out that my credit rating is being ruined by bloody Next!

Tixy

did they send a formal default notice at the time? If they refuse to remove it then demand a copy of the notice. If they cannot produce it, they have to remove the default.

Lefs

Thank you. They didn't send a default notice at the time. I didn't receive anything from them.

Having had a quick google on the subject, I found some things from other people who had requested a copy of a default notice and Next sent them back either a generic one, or a letter saying they did not have to provide a copy and the burden of proof is not with the sender. Is this not the case then?

The other trouble I have is not having my account number. I've moved home since 2006, so would have to ask them to send any correspondence to my new address, referencing the old one. Next have already told me that without the account number they won't send me any information. The only thing they offered to do is send a copy of my account number to the old address, but that was in Scotland and I am living in England now, so it's not even viable for me to go see the new people in the house and ask if they have received any mail for me.

DarkConvict

Under legislation of Data Protection, they have to keep records correct. If you notify them of a change of address they should correct it. As you have moved address I believe they can ask for an identity documents to prove it.

Lefs

DarkConvict wrote: »

Under legislation of Data Protection, they have to keep records correct. If you notify them of a change of address they should correct it. As you have moved address I believe they can ask for an identity documents to prove it.

Thanks for your reply. I have sent off a letter to them asking for a copy of the CCA and default notice. After calling them again about my account number they said the only thing they can do is send a copy of it to the old house, or discuss matters with me over the phone. As I don't want to do that, I have referenced the end of my account number that appeared on my credit report, hoping that's enough for them.

They won't accept documents for a change of address because they registered a default for the account - told me they won't do any further business with me. I don't want to do business - just want to sort out their own bloody mess...argh!

Has anyone else had trouble with them?