Confusion over Credit Account (i.e. Loan) with Littlewoods

CannotFindHelp

So I opened an account with Littlewood's recently, and they offered me a small credit limit (trust me, it's small, because I have seen people here quoting that they have x10 and x20 the same limit)

Anyway I made my first purchase and left it be. I went back the next day and saw the order was still "processing" which I was a bit confused about. I phoned Littlewoods up (my account balance said zero but my credit available remained the same) and they transferred me to a department I didn't catch the name of because the purchase was on hold.

They told me that the purchase was on hold while they completed some security checks, and apparently this was common, especially when you make your first order on the site. The woman was polite but told me there was nothing I could do or say to speed up the process, didn't explain what form the process would take, and just asked me what age I was? They said I should hear from them in a few days and so far I've heard nothing, nothing has changed on the site and no emails have been sent even telling me there was a problem with the order in the first place.

If I was approved for a credit balance (and I know I've been rejected on other JDW sites but I was approved on this one) then why wasn't I just allowed to make a purchase? What are these further security checks anyway and how am I not able to assist them to speed up the process?

Has anyone had any similar experiences and found an outcome?

bengalknights

They are checking for any address or potential identity fraud.

bengalknights

They are checking for any address or potential identity fraud.

CannotFindHelp

bengalknights wrote: »

They are checking for any address or potential identity fraud.

OK, do you know how they do that or what form it takes?

Apples2

They'll simply be checking your credit files to make sure it all ties together and ensuring there are no CIFAS (Fraud) markers againt you.
they need to ensure you are who you say you are, your bank details and payment method are indeed yours (belonging the the address you have stipulated for delivery).

These things are never a good idea though, why not just go in the shop and buy it? It still has to be paid for anyway. Having credit just tempts you to get more "stuff" by thinking the payments are so small it won't matter.

Littlewoods

Hi Cannotfindhelp,

The department that you will be referring to will be our underwriting department. As mentioned by others on this thread this is quite common especially with first orders and is just an extra security check so theres no need to worry.

Depending on the cost of the item they may request that you make a "token" payment which will only be a small amount of the cost of the goods as this helps verify the account details given i.e. Name, address, postcode ect. We have these measures in place to recognise for potential fraudulent activity.

If you'd like to give them a call they will be happy to discuss this further with you and will release the order once they have spoken to you and are satisfied with your credit application. Their direct telephone number is 0844 811 1218.

Hope this helps

Chris

Littlewoods Network Team