The Experian Credit Report

HankBravo

Hi.

Thought I'd get in touch about something I'm a little confused about.

When I was very young, had some pretty bad personal circumstances leading to some debt defaults. (2002/2003). I've attempted to find out more about my past debt with no success as I have moved around a lot in the last 8 years. From several sources, including this site, Experian, Credit Expert, CAB etc, I have been informed that all credit defaults are expunged after 6 years. It's been 8 years. So, to the absolute best of my knowledge, I have no CCJ's or outstanding debt other than that of some old power bills I'd forgot and paying back and my Argos store card, which is paid monthly like any other store card. No problems.

Obviously, I know now that back then, I acted poorly and I don not condone it nor have I repeated anything like that since. I would like to get a free credit report but I am concerned that by simply applying for it online, a multitude of other organizations will register it and hound me. By ordering a free credit report, will ANYBODY else see that I have done so? I've had several Contract phones, broadband accounts and an Advantage Gold account from NatWest (still have it) etc since those dark days with no problems. I just want to take steps to repair my credit score and in order to do that, I need to see my credit report.

I actually tried to order one a couple of years ago but, it said there was not enough info and that I had to post several documents off to Experian which I was obviously uncomfortable with.

If you can offer any advice on this matter, I would be most grateful or you can PM me. Thanks for your time and I look forward to your response.

Kind regards,

silentsmile

As far as I'm aware, and I've ordered credit reports before, no marketing companies, or other companies have contacted me. I am not best to advise, but having just logged on to see my credit report and been rather shocked, I think it's a good move.

HankBravo

Oh without doubt yeah. I agree. Just don't want to shoot myself in the foot and alert the the 15th rebuyer of my old debt. As I said I've had credit since, all be it small and you'd think if anything bad was going happen, it would have by now. Just the caution bells ringing. I'll wait for some more confirmation on this then bite the bullet. Thanks for getting back to me.

DarkConvict

If you request your credit report, either free, paid online or the £2 postal one. You have to provide your current details to verify you, these current details will be put on your report and potentially (highly likely) link you to your old addresses for the last 6 years.

It is not uncommon to be contacted by debt collectors due to this new information appearing, to be honest even applying for jobs and been checked by them with new details can trigger this happening.

If you are contacted and these are old debts they can't now re-add themselves to the credit file as the debts are going to be statute barred (6 years since last payment/written acknowledgement) so i actually see little risk in your checking it, but there is always the possibility in them contacting you.

HankBravo

Thanks for your response. I had the feeling that would be the compromise/risk. Guess in light of the larger picture it would be worth it. What if I'm told again by Experian that I have provided insufficient info in order to view my report? What is this response generally a product of? Cuz, last time I provided everything they asked for. They then said I have to send off passport, bank statements etc. Was very odd.

Thanks again for your advice.

DarkConvict

Its not unknown for the CRA's to ask for identity information, it is simply down to the information on file is not close enough to the info you provided (prevent other people accessing your report illegally), or based on the info you have given more than 1 credit report has been located so they need more information to ensure you get your credit report not someone elses.