Mackenzie Hall Default Help?

gwilo

When I checked my Credit Record a few weeks back after getting refused finance, I found a default had been placed on my record for just under a thousand pounds by Mackenzie Hall. It's marked as 'Mail Order'. I have never had anything Mail Order! After researching this forum, I sent them a prove it letter and at least asked for details of what it is and why they hadn't approached me first? I sent it recorded and have never had a reply. So I asked Experian to look into it and they approached Mac Hall on my behalf and they just refused to remove it and that is that! It's ridiculous. If I owed something I would pay it before any default could be issued! They should at least have let me know before hand, surely?

Can anybody tell me what else I can do? I've emailed the OFT and haven't recieved a reply yet but there must be something I can do?
Is it right that anyone can put what they want on your credit record without so much as a warning? How can that be right?

Advice please?

Culex

gwilo wrote: »

When I checked my Credit Record a few weeks back after getting refused finance, I found a default had been placed on my record for just under a thousand pounds by Mackenzie Hall. It's marked as 'Mail Order'. I have never had anything Mail Order! After researching this forum, I sent them a prove it letter and at least asked for details of what it is and why they hadn't approached me first? I sent it recorded and have never had a reply. So I asked Experian to look into it and they approached Mac Hall on my behalf and they just refused to remove it and that is that! It's ridiculous. If I owed something I would pay it before any default could be issued! They should at least have let me know before hand, surely?

Can anybody tell me what else I can do? I've emailed the OFT and haven't recieved a reply yet but there must be something I can do?
Is it right that anyone can put what they want on your credit record without so much as a warning? How can that be right?

It isn't but, as the Office of Faffing and Twaddling seems to have resumed its hibernation cycle, firms such as MacKenzie Hall seem to think they may do as they please once more.

Complain about Experian to the ICO and, if needs be, take them to court to get an order compelling them to remove the inaccurate entry.

gwilo

Thankyou. I'll do that. The ICO will be my next course of action then.

fermi

What exactly did you put in the letter to Mackenzie Hall?

It may be an idea to write another stronger version, stating that they are recording false and defamatory information on your credit reference files.

They may ignore that as well, but if you have gone those lengths then it makes any complaint to the ICO look more clear cut, and they can see you have done everything you can to resolve this yourself before taking the complaint to them.

If you haven't already, then you can also state in any letter that you will be making a formal complaint to the FOS and require Mackenzie hall to submit a "final response" to you. Not withstanding that a complaint through the FOS will cost MH at least £400.

gwilo

I sent the prove it letter that I got from this forum (signed for) and added a bit on saying that I had never had any contact from them about this debt, which they should have done before issuing a default. It's recorded as 'Mail Order' and I know for sure I've never had anything mail order.

I'll send another letter as you suggest first then.

Thanks

fermi

If it's not yours, then they shouldn't have placed a default on your file, regardless of whether they had contacted you or not.

As said, by doing so they are regarding false and defamatory information.

So yes, a stronger letter would be a good idea saying "remove it or else".

Plus the complaint via the FOS part as well.

Knowing MH they will probably ignore this one as well, but if they do you will have all the evidence to need to put in complaints to the ICO, FOS etc.

gwilo

Thanks for your replies. I've been advised to send a SAR with my next letter. Could anyone point me to a suitable template please?