What can I do?

ej2004bear

I have read loads of threads on here, and non of them really answer my question, so I am hoping someone can help.

Here's my problem:

I have quite a lot of debt, but have made every single payment on time years and years (though usually just the minimum). I have recently been really struggling to do this so back in August 2011 I decided to try and reduce the interest I paying, and consolidate. Having never missed a payment on anything, I assumed I would be accepted by the bank for a non secured personal loan - however, I was shocked to be turned down. This led to me checking my credit file and low and behold, I have a default.

Back in Dec 2009 I ordered 21 pounds worth of kids pj's from studio cards with every intention of paying the full amount right there and then. For some reason, I can't remember the details (I wish I could) - the payment wasn't taken and a credit account was opened. I am 100% postive this was not intentional for such a small order. It's only because they personalise things and my daughter has such an usual name that I wanted to buy something in the first place. I wouldn't normally touch a catalogue.

In Jan 2010 I recieved a statement saying I owed 30 pounds, which I reluctantly paid as my original order was only 21 pound, and I thought I had paid it! Then in Feb 2010 another statement for 13.80 came, which again, I phoned and argued about, but again paid.

Then I didn't hear anything for months. In June 2010 I recieved a letter from Moorcroft Debt Collectors saying I owed them 80 pound for defaulting on the studio cards account. I had recieved nothing at all from studio cards direct and had already paid them 43.80 for a 21 pound order so disputed it. They put a hold on their account whilst I talked to studio cards, which I did many many times.

Studio Cards at this point admited it was an error (though only verbally on the telephone) and removed the charges. I thought I had heard the last of it. Then in October 2010, I recieved a call from their customer service team saying that if I paid them 22 pound, they would settle the account and everything would be closed off and fine. Again, I paid them. Now I have paid them 65.80 for a 21 pound order - that I had tried to pay at the time of purchase!

I then forgot all about it again, until I tried to get credit and was refused.

When checking my credit file, it shows 6 missed payments and a default (for september 2010 which was the month before I 'settled'). I never once 'missed' a payment. Everytime they asked me for money, I paid them.

Since September 2011 I have called them lots of times, and at one point someone agreed to remove these from the file - but they didn't. I called them again today and they say they will only remove 3 missed payments - and for them to do this I have to put it in writing. Why would they lie on the phone to someone? They even want me to prove to them I called them by providing itemised phone bills, as their systems say I haven't spoken to them since June 2010. It makes me so mad - but I will happily send them my phone bills with their number highlighted.

I am so frustrated. The rest of my credit file is entirely green. I haven't missed a mortgage / credit card / phone bill payment etc EVER - and yet this account for the tiny amount of 21 pounds, which I have paid 65 pound too has utterly destroyed my rating.

I have written to them today, and enclosed a copy of my credit report so they can see for themselves they are the only account that is bad -along with my refusal for credit letter from the bank and I just hope hope hope that they will remove the default and missed payments from my file.

Is there anything else I can do? I am so annoyed that I have sacrificed loads of things in life to make sure I pay back what I owe, my car is falling apart, my house is falling apart, all my clothes are from the charity shop and are mostly falling apart etc etc and yet despite ensuring I pay back what I owe before buying anything else each month, my credit is ruined - over absolutely nothing in comparision to the rest of my credit accounts!

I am starting to think that if I can't resolve this - I may as well default on everthing else, and use the money I would save for a nice holiday instead. Its been years since I last had one. But I don't want to do that, and would just rather pay back what I owe. Then have the nice holiday - guilt free!

Can anyone help? What can I do?

Thanks for reading my rant. Its just so utterly frustrating when I have worked so hard to keep on top on things.

Emma

princess*daisy

Hi,

Firstly, I would make an access request under the Data Protection Act for all the information Studio hold on you/your account. This should enable you to see all records of transactions and telephone calls that have been logged on your account. Then you can see exactly what you have been charged for and what has been agreed in the past between you and their advisors. More info on how to do this can be found here - http://www.ico.gov.uk/Global/faqs/data_protection_for_the_public.aspx#fF900A848-3AB1-41EA-8ED5-5C3BBBD66D3B

Secondly, you can then apply for a notice of correction to be placed on your credit file, explaining the reason for your default. Lenders don't have to take this into account, but can do if they so wish. More info can be found here - https://www.econsumer.equifax.co.uk/consumer/uk/sitepage.ehtml?forward=gb_cpo_ncsample

Thirdly, if Studio are at fault, you might wish to make a formal complaint against them to try to get them to formally (in writing) accept liability for their errors (i.e. overcharging etc) and offer some form of reparation/resolution. Not sure which specific agency you would make this complaint to but I am sure somebody else would be able to point you in the right direction.

Finally, it could be the case that you are being turned down for reasons other than or additional to the default - e.g. high debt already, only making minimum payments etc. Basically all lenders apply their own criteria - it is not as simple as having a universal "good" or "bad" credit score.

You might also wish to speak to CAB or National Debtline (for example) for more advice, as well as advice regarding your other existing debts.

Whatever you do, don't just default on everything else for the sake of it - speak to National Debtline first if you are struggling to meet your payments.

Good luck.

ej2004bear

Thank you for replying - I am going to get on to all this today.

I will be persistant and try everything I can to get Studio Cards to remove the negative marks.

It makes me so mad!! x

ej2004bear

Just an update incase anyone is interested!

My letter to Studio Cards must have worked as on 19th January, they removed all missed payments and more importantly the default from my credit file. Yippeee!

My credit file is now entirely green and I love it! Still got a poor rating though :-(

his_missus

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3700921

Hi ej2004bear! This thread might help you with your debt, doesn't matter if you can't pay off your debt by Christmas but there's a lot of support and advice on this thread and there are very friendly people on there too who will keep you motivated.

Kwaker_Knacker

ej2004bear wrote: »

Just an update incase anyone is interested!

My letter to Studio Cards must have worked as on 19th January, they removed all missed payments and more importantly the default from my credit file. Yippeee!

My credit file is now entirely green and I love it! Still got a poor rating though :-(

Excellent news there. :T

K_K

McKneff

ej2004bear wrote: »

Just an update incase anyone is interested!

My letter to Studio Cards must have worked as on 19th January, they removed all missed payments and more importantly the default from my credit file. Yippeee!

My credit file is now entirely green and I love it! Still got a poor rating though :-(

:j:j:j

Well done, it shows if your persistant and the company has made an error defaults can be removed.

My daughter did this a couple of years ago.

Did they give you any compensation, my daughter got £100 for her trouble, her and her fiance had appleid for a mortgage and got refused so fiance took one out on his own, the error was put right too late for them both to get the mortgage.

You can but ask, nothing venture, nothing gained, they did cause you some inconvenience.