Equifax incorrect information

tinkerbell28

I am writing this again a YEAR on. Basically we found a year ago, equifax had mixed my husband up with one of his relatives. On his associations section.

Luckily so far, this has had no financial or professional impact on us. As we can show exactly what they've done. However it is starting to grate they out right refuse to remove it.

Last year the financial association could not be removed due to systems, so they put a notice of correction on his file.

They have now, after being asked a year later to remove it, refused.

Due to names being "similar". They know who they have mixed him up with, they even name him, complete with DOB in their response. The person who is the correct financial association of this person.

How are they allowed to do this? Outright refusing to correct a mistake, and stubbornly carry on holding incorrect association information.

Will the FOS deal with this? Thanks in advance.

ValHaller

tinkerbell28 wrote: »

I am writing this again a YEAR on.

.....

How are they allowed to do this? Outright refusing to correct a mistake, and stubbornly carry on holding incorrect association information.

Will the FOS deal with this? Thanks in advance.

No idea, sorry. But I am coming around to the idea that Credit Referencing is becoming something of a scandal.

tinkerbell28

Just spoke to the FOS, they do deal with CRA's and will take a complaint on. Anyone know how long this will take? Or what they do?

They have said, deliberately and knowingly reporting incorrect information isn't lawful and they should remove it.

They said it is obviously a mix up and not exactly uncommon....worryingly. However just because names are similar, they are two separate people entirely so my OH shouldn't have x as an association when it should be Y.

So I have asked equifax to escalate it.... they've refused twice now, so have to ask for an escalation before FOS will take it on. What an absolute scandal indeed.

The thing is I KNOW this deep down, however when you are told by a supposed trusted agency who holds sensitive data, they won't remove it. You question yourself. Or in this case he does :rotfl:

rizla_king

Equifax are a scandal in their own right. The other CRAs are not great, but Equifax takes the level of incompetence and in cases like this - deliberate obstructiveness -to a different level.

stu2500

I'm reading more and more instances of CRA's being completely useless when it comes to removing incorrect information from credit reports. They are quick enough to report the data in the first instance but from the stories on here, it is a lengthy task for data to be corrected.

kilby_007

I have false info on my Equifax report also. I have asked them to remove it and they said I would receive an email immediately with the details of the report but nothing yet and it's been a few days.

tinkerbell28

The thing is, here it is equifax who have ballsed up. They have mixed my oh with someone else. Thus creating a financial link with x on mortage applications. No other agency has done this.

So far this hasn't caused us a problem when our finances have been checked for various reasons. As the association tbh, isn't a troublesome one. But it is going to be a problem when we get a mortgage. As he is linked to someone with an outstanding mortgage.

I can't believe they are actually saying in writing, they are justifying keeping the association on due to "similar" names. Admitting they have got it wrong, then going on to provide the details and dob, of the person they've done it with. Shocking :eek: They admitted they got it wrong but out right refused removal because they are of similar name.

What can the FOS do? Fine the a55 off them I hope.

ValHaller

You could try the Information Commissioner's office.

tinkerbell28

ValHaller wrote: »

You could try the Information Commissioner's office.

Yes I think we'll include them as well, just for good measure. :rotfl:

rizla_king

tinkerbell28 wrote: »

What can the FOS do? Fine the a55 off them I hope.

They can't fine them. They can order them to put things right. They can order them to restore you financial position to what it would have been had the mistake not occurred. Not likely unless you can prove harm, refused applications etc. Or they can in rare circumstances award a modest sum for distress and inconvenience.

You would be looking at getting the Ombudsman to instruct them to remove the association. If they refuse, that decision could be enforced through the courts.

Equafix will be charged £500 whatever the decision.

tinkerbell28

rizla_king wrote: »

They can't fine them. They can order them to put things right. They can order them to restore you financial position to what it would have been had the mistake not occurred. Not likely unless you can prove harm, refused applications etc. Or they can in rare circumstances award a modest sum for distress and inconvenience.

You would be looking at getting the Ombudsman to instruct them to remove the association. If they refuse, that decision could be enforced through the courts.

Equafix will be charged £500 whatever the decision.

Oh I see. Good at least there is a financial repercussion no matter how small.

We aren't after compo as like I say, it hasn't caused any problems finically or professionally. Might of been different if they were a rogue association, but thankfully they are not.