Mistakes on credit files - Equifax won't amend

Dander_2

I'm in a bit of a mess at the moment and I'll try to explain as best as I can what's happened.

My partner recently passed away at the same time as my dad so I moved in with my mother to look after her. It was all sudden and given the circumstances I just had to move right out with literally the shirt on my back. I've informed all the relevant companies, local authorities etc and so far no problems. I will be on the electoral register for my new address from August.

I've got my credit reports from Experian and Equifax and noticed some mistakes. I should point out that I have the same name as my dad (which causes no end of grief) except I have a middle initia which I use.

My father's bank account is showing on my report even though it shows his date of birth. I have asked for this to be removed.

The electoral register information shows me correctly as living at my old address for x amount of years, but also says I have been at my parents address for x amount of years. This is obviously my dad's information and I have asked them to correct this but they just say that it's for the local council to correct.

I'm arguing that the council have the correct information and that the information held by Equifax is incorrect, but they just keep coming back with the same response.

It's giving me no end of grief as I simply cannot obtain credit anywhere despite having an "excellent" credit score. When I went to Carphone Warehouse for example, they said that while the credit check was fine (they would offer two contract phones), I had failed the security check as the information I supplied did not match their records, and while they will not tell me what this is, I suspect it is my dad's information on my credit report.

I also have a partial settlement on a disputed debt showing which is correct, however Equifax are refusing to put an explanatory note on file (Experian were) to even say that the account was disputed despite me providing all the details from the FOS.

Does anyone have any advice on dealing with Equifax to get my record put straight?

Thanks.

The_Boss

Condolences for recent bereavements

The Equifax score means diddly squat. Were there the same issues on your Experian file too?

izools

I think OP is correct in so much as the council aren't mis-reporting data.

As the DOB isn't recorded against ER data it is easy for the credit reference agencies to mis-report the data if two individuals with the same name but different DOBs lived at the same address at any point.

You need to pressure the credit reference agencies about this one, explaining the situation, explaining your middle initial, pointing out that there is no fault with the bank account data or ER data being reported to them, but rather the fault lies with the credit reference agency for incorrectly matching it to your credit file.

They will say they're disputing the data with the concerned organisation but you need to re-iterate to them at this point that THE DATA IS CORRECT but it is the CRA'S FAULT IN MIS-MATCHING IT TO YOUR FILE.

You might need to refer the matter to the ICO as CRAs can be really really crap in this area I'm afraid.

I also offer my sincere condolences for your recent losses

Dander_2

The council have said that the register will be updated in August and can't do anything until then. But my argument is that the information that the council holds is fine (besides the need for the update in August).

Equifax were happy to remove my dad's bank account from my report, but not his electoral information. I don't see what the problem is - the council are correct with the information they have (I know it needs updating) but equifax have my dad's details on my report - that is not the council's fault.

The same information is on experian as well but I have yet to here back from them.

The_Boss

Good point...forgot about the whole DOB thing. Edited my post above.

In which case taking a stronger line with Equifax is what is needed. I'd call them once more and if they do not do anything write to them stating your case and asking for the matter to be escalated.

izools

Dander wrote: »

But my argument is that the information that the council holds is fine

You are absolutely correct.

I would send each credit reference agency the following:

Copy of your passport
Copy of your father's passport and death certificate
Covering letter explaining that
a) The data the council hold is CORRECT and DOESN'T need amending
b) The matching of the data to your credit file is INCORRECT and the fault of Experian / Equifax / Call Credit and given the supplied evidence needs amending by them.

It's a fairly clear cut case for anyone with two brain cells unfortunately that's something the front line staff at credit reference agencies often lack. Like I say, if you escalate the matter to the ICO enclosing the suggested evidence and explanation I'm sure they'll find in your favour and order the CRAs to make the necessary amendments.

Sorry you're having to deal with all this at this tough time and well done for persevering :beer:

Dander_2

Thanks to everyone for comments which confirm that its not me going mad (yet). Just been on phone for 20 minutes and got the message through on the 4th attempt of explaining. Getting a call back within 48 hours so fingers crossed, but also got extra 30 days free and free credit score - not that I'm bothered. A simple apology and prompt action would have been sufficient.

The_Boss

Dander wrote: »

Thanks to everyone for comments which confirm that its not me going mad (yet). Just been on phone for 20 minutes and got the message through on the 4th attempt of explaining. Getting a call back within 48 hours so fingers crossed, but also got extra 30 days free and free credit score - not that I'm bothered. A simple apology and prompt action would have been sufficient.

Good stuff. Glad to hear there is some movement. The extra 30 days will be needed to check that the data is pulling through correctly (although remember to cancel it).

Tixy

Just in relation to this (whichdoesn't appear to have been answered yet)

Dander wrote: »

I also have a partial settlement on a disputed debt showing which is correct, however Equifax are refusing to put an explanatory note on file (Experian were) to even say that the account was disputed despite me providing all the details from the FOS.

Anyone can add a notice to their own credit file with any agency. Its known as a notice of correction and allows you to add information / your point of view in relation to something on your file.
Any potential lenders will then read your comments.

rizla_king

Dander wrote: »

I also have a partial settlement on a disputed debt showing which is correct, however Equifax are refusing to put an explanatory note on file (Experian were) to even say that the account was disputed despite me providing all the details from the FOS.

Equifax cannot just refuse to add a notice of correction. Even if they believe the notice is "incorrect, or unjustly defames any person, or is frivolous or scandalous, or is for any other reason unsuitable" they cannot just refuse outright. If they want to refuse the notice then they must make an application to the ICO as the "relevant authority" for permission to not add it.

Tell them that you expect them to comply with their obligation under section 159(3) and (4) Consumer Credit Act 1974 to add the entry, and that if they wish to refuse then they must make an application for permission under section 159(4). Any refusal by Equifax will be reported to the ICO yourself.

tinkerbell28

Equifax are utter sh!te, we had no end of grief with them. As same thing happend to my oh, they mixed him and a relative up. So he had a false financial associate on there.

Took over a year for them to sort, and even then it was because we contacted the FOS and ICO.