Can searches be removed from a credit record?

davr0s

My Equifax record shows a search by the dreaded "Lowell Financial Limited" just under two years ago. This was for a debt I didn't recognise, and that turned out to be statute limited anyway. This board was a great help in telling them to get lost at the time!

The search reason is listed as "Debt Collection", which isn't going to look good to a prospective lender. Is it worth me writing to Lowell asking for this to be removed from my record? Can it even be done?

bottleofred

Hi davrs,

Write or email Equifax. McKenzie Hall had 3 searches on my file for an outstanding debt and I emailed Equifax who then contacted Mckenzie Hall. After 28 days of no reply from Mckenzie Hall, Equifax contacted me and because they did not reply removed the details of the searches. However, when you contact Equifax explain you did not give permission for a search to be carried out, they are in breach of the data protection act and you want them removed. Some people will say these do not affect your credit rating, but I had a catalogue account with a well known highstreet store and a £3600 credit limit. Shortly after these appeared on my credit file they reduced my limit to £200 (what I owed at the time) and continued to reduce it with each payment I made, so I'd argue differently about it making no difference.

Good luck

DarkConvict

Only full searches, i.e. those that require your signature should show up on the report.
But to yourself, anyone even yourself that has viewed the report should show up.

Searches should only last 12 months as well.

davr0s

Thanks for the replies. I've never given permission for Lowell to carry out a search, and certainly not a signature. I'll send Equifax a note. :cool: