Clearing my Credit Record

moggins

I'm in the process of sorting out my credit record and applied for the free on-line Experian report. I've managed to work most of it out and put notices of correction against the parts I don't agree with or wanted to explain.

However, the first entry which comes up is something that I don't remember ever doing or having, it is not showing up with late payments or defaults or anything, but it's a mail order company that I do not remember having anything to do with. Seeing as it's only from last year it's not something that is so far in the past that I have forgotten it.

How do I go about finding out why this is on my credit record, it's a company called J D Williams, I know that I haven't applied for credit with anyone because with my credit history I presumed I would only be refused.

Milky_Mocha

moggins wrote:

I'm in the process of sorting out my credit record and applied for the free on-line Experian report. I've managed to work most of it out and put notices of correction against the parts I don't agree with or wanted to explain.

However, the first entry which comes up is something that I don't remember ever doing or having, it is not showing up with late payments or defaults or anything, but it's a mail order company that I do not remember having anything to do with. Seeing as it's only from last year it's not something that is so far in the past that I have forgotten it.

How do I go about finding out why this is on my credit record, it's a company called J D Williams, I know that I haven't applied for credit with anyone because with my credit history I presumed I would only be refused.

Personally I don't think its a good idea to put notices of correction unless you have tried alternative ways of putting the record right. For example if you do not agree with an entry on the report first contact the company involved and have them correct it. Apparently notices of correction can work against you with some lenders who use automated means of accepting or rejecting a credit application - credit files with such notices could be automatically rejected.

dougk_2

Is the JD Williams record a search or a credit application?
From searching about J D Williams is a fashion and footwear catalogue. Have you requested a catalogue at any stage?
I suspect if you have they are just checking to see if you are who you say you are!

moggins

The JD Williams thing is an actual application with a credit limit and it shows regular payments to have been made and the account settled. Should I ring them to find out what this refers to. I Googled for them too last night and found out it was a mail order company which is what has confused me.

I thought carefully about the notices of correction too before I did them, however one of the items is a joint loan taken out with my ex-husband, he agreed to take this on when we split the debts but he has defaulted on it. I have contacted the company concerned but as far as they are concerned we jointly took it out so my name must stay. The notice of correction was the only way I had of saying something about it. It does also stated on the website that if you have a notice of correction then a credit application cannot be dismissed purely because of a credit score, the correction notice must be read and taken into account.

I'm going to ring them today for a notice of dissasociation too.

dougk_2

I think notices of corrections are a good idea.
Whilst "automated" checks won't take them into account, more serious applications will and you have something to point the companies to if you appeal aboput a decision.
It also shows you have taken the time and effort to provide up to date information and prove your suitability for credit.
I would ring JD Williams - you have nothing to loose!

puffer_fish

Sorry if this is incorrect...first timer!!

Anyhow I have a lodger who has been applying for loans and credit cards and obviously has been using my address, does this now effect my credit rating???

I have never been turned down for anything previously however I have just tried to get a new credit card and have been declined!!!

Is there anyone out there that can help??

Nicky_3

JD Williams are debt recovery as well as Catalogue company. It might be that you had a catalogue or store card e.t.c. which you have not paid which would have been passed onto JD Williams to recover the debt.

Maybe that might jog your memory.

Nicky_3

puffer_fish wrote:

Sorry if this is incorrect...first timer!!

Anyhow I have a lodger who has been applying for loans and credit cards and obviously has been using my address, does this now effect my credit rating???

I have never been turned down for anything previously however I have just tried to get a new credit card and have been declined!!!

Is there anyone out there that can help??

No, this will not affect your credit rating. It may have done prior to Nov 04, but now you are not finanically associated with anyone living at the same address as you unless you have a joint debt or bank account.

moggins

I found out what happened in the end. I rang J D Williams mail order and it was regarding some christmas presents I bought in 2003, I bought them over the net and paid by debit card without realising it was a mail order company and they automatically did a search and opened an account for me. The lady on the phone said it was only dormant and did I want to close the account, as this appears to be building a good credit record for me I said no, to leave it open.

System

Today, i have applied for my credit rating from Experian. I applied for it a couple of years ago and it was ok. I have been trying for months now to apply for a Tesco credit card but they kept turning down - which i didnt understand as i have had no problems applying for credit before. Today i rang Empire Stores to order a couple of things that had caught my eye. I tried to order on the website but it wouldnt let me. Well since talking to the operator, i seem to have 2 accounts linked to my address, both set up in my name. I am a loss as to how this could have happened, and since the other account has never been used, they cant explain it either. Its obviously a mistake on someones part but you can guarantee i have had my credit record searched twice - and if this has happened to one account (that i always paid by debit card when i paid for the goods), you can guarantee there may be other suprises lurking out there for me to sort out. I am wondering if this is why i am having trouble applying for Tescos credit card?

Nicky_3

If you have no defaults on any accounts you have, then you can bet this is why you are having problems.

Two Things could have happened.

1. Someone fraudulently opened an account in your name

2. Mistaken Identity. This can happen if you have similar birth details to someone who has done a runner and not paid their debt. Creditors use systems to locate people and if your details show up and they are almost the same as someone else, the system can assume you are that person, even if you are not. i.e. same name, same date of birth, different person.

If these accounts are not yours, you need to get some form of proof from the creditor and get them off your credit file. These are the companies you will need to contact.

Experian Ltd
Consumer Help Service
PO Box 8000
Nottingham
NG80 7WF
Tel: 0870 241 6212
https://www.experian.co.uk

Equifax
Credit File Advice Centre
PO Box 1140
Bradford
BD1 5US
Tel: 08705 143700
https://www.equifax.co.uk

Callcredit PLC
Consumer Services Team
PO Box 491
Leeds
LS3 1WZ
Tel: 0870 060 1414
https://www.callcredit.plc.uk

Hope that helps