unsubstantiated data on credit file

crazyhaggid

I'm currently trying to get a mortgage and discovered that I have a default on my credit file, I don't remember receiving. It's from an old credit card debt which was sold to Cabot whilst I had a payment plan in place, I have finally cleared the debt last year but I only found out about the default when I checked my credit file.

I wrote to Cabot and asked them how they managed to register a default at a time before they had purchased the debt and all they would reply with is that my account is paid in full and marked as 'satisfied' on my credit file but the default is still there.

I wrote to Experian asking them to remove the default as 'unsubstantiated' as Cabot cannot produce a copy of the original default letter. I have written to Experian twice now and each time they reply with same thing that they have contacted Cabot and default is correct, despite there being no evidence.

I recently raised a complaint with the Information Commissioners Office but I understand this will take a considerable time to sort out. Is there a quicker route I can take? Is there anyone else I can take my complaint to who can sort if out faster than the ICO?

Any advice appreciated

MortgageChallenge2011

Similiar situation recently. I had a default with Barclaycard who issued the default notice initially and then sold the debt on. It was bought by Capquest, who then transferred the credit reference data into their name as now the "account holder" and recorded the notice of default date under their entry (this I have checked out is legit). Cabot will always refer you back to the original creditor who issued the default notice.

I'm afraid it looks like there is nothing much can be done. I have contacted the ICO over my case as the date Capquest recorded as default was wrong. I had a holding letter off the ICO 8 weeks ago and nothing since.

How much was the default for initially and when was it issued? There could be a way round it as some lenders are ignoring defaults over 3 years old (like the lender I found).

crazyhaggid

thanks for the reply the default was for ~£1400 it was issued almost six years ago.

crazyhaggid

who is your lender?

MortgageChallenge2011

As long as you have a clean history since the default and no recent missed payments and because of the age of the default its promising. My mortgage is with Platform which is part of the Co-Op. My default is not settled and has £7k o/s but over 3 years old which they ignored. Best contact a whole of the market broker and give him up to date copies of Experian and Equifax credit reports. This will avoid him having to do a credit check and will try and place you with a suitable lender. I had to put down 15% deposit but got 4.69% which is a decent rate.

fermi

crazyhaggid wrote: »

I wrote to Cabot and asked them how they managed to register a default at a time before they had purchased the debt and all they would reply with is that my account is paid in full and marked as 'satisfied' on my credit file but the default is still there.

Presumably it was the original creditor whose issued the default some time before the debt was sold to Cabot.

When the debt is then sold, it will be switched into Cabot's name.