Equifax - how to amend data on credit file

achilles1

Hi all,

Based on your experience, which is the best communication method to amend data held in your Equifax credit file?

I have tried sending them an online query/question but they take ages to respond. I also tried phoning customer services but all I got was a woman with an American accent who was polite but clueless.

Thanks in advance.

A.

YorkshireBoy

Could I ask what data you're wishing to amend?

achilles1

YorkshireBoy wrote: »

Could I ask what data you're wishing to amend?

I want to remove a linked address that is incorrect in the first instance although I expect to ask them to make further amendments once I have established the best way to communicate with them.

YorkshireBoy

achilles1 wrote: »

I want to remove a linked address that is incorrect in the first instance although I expect to ask them to make further amendments once I have established the best way to communicate with them.

I think I'd be tempted to use snail mail, with all the issues listed on the one document. Have you read this?...

https://www.econsumer.equifax.co.uk/consumer/uk/sitepage.ehtml?forward=gb_elearning_credit13

achilles1

YorkshireBoy wrote: »

I think I'd be tempted to use snail mail, with all the issues listed on the one document. Have you read this?...

https://www.econsumer.equifax.co.uk/consumer/uk/sitepage.ehtml?forward=gb_elearning_credit13

I wanted to avoid using snail mail because it can take up to 28 days for them to respond. These companies are allowed to keep any information they like about us but to actually makes any changes to it is a time-consuming and difficult process.

lisyloo

but to actually makes any changes to it is a time-consuming and difficult process

I don't think that's reasonable.
They can't just change things by request willy nilly. If they did we'd all have perfect histories.
They sometimes have to check information with lenders.
They cannot guarantee how long 3rd parties will take to respond, so they have to quote a longish timescale.

If you contact them by other methods you may be able to speed up the communication between you and the CRA, but not between the CRA and the lender.

JokerDurden

I've recently posted three online amendments, I've received the automated response that it is currently taking up to 11 days to receive answers

achilles1

lisyloo wrote: »

I don't think that's reasonable.
They can't just change things by request willy nilly. If they did we'd all have perfect histories.
They sometimes have to check information with lenders.
They cannot guarantee how long 3rd parties will take to respond, so they have to quote a longish timescale.

What is unreasonable, is that Equifax keep information about us forever, regardless of how old or inaccurate it might be. You could move to a new address over 10 years ago but Equifax would still show it as a linked address. They would also keep adverse data on your file for more than 6 years in breach of the legislation. They then make it very difficult for people to correct these errors.

Experian seem to be more proactive in the quality of the data they maintain in their systems. In future, I would only apply for credit via lenders who use Experian for searches and not Equifax.

achilles1

JokerDurden wrote: »

I've recently posted three online amendments, I've received the automated response that it is currently taking up to 11 days to receive answers

I am not sure that they take very seriously online queries. But if others have been able to resolve matters via this method then I would like to know.

lisyloo

What is unreasonable, is that Equifax keep information about us forever, regardless of how old or inaccurate it might be.

I agree with you that Equifax should not keep old or innaccurate data.
I would also agree they should not make corrections difficult or time consuming (for the parts that are under their control).

What I was saying is not reasonable is for you to expect them either to amend data without making proper checks, or give timescales where 3rd parties are involved that are outside of their controls.

I'm not up on the procedures but their ought to be a complaints procedure if you are not getting satisfaction.

darkblue_2

I'm signed up to their credit watch service and it has a built in email facility. I asked to remove a bad linked address and they did it within 24 hours and provided me with a free report to show it.