Can power suppliers or DCA change my credit file without court decisions?

kidkid77

Hello, guys. Need you help, please.

I'm wondering can power suppliers (such as British gas) or debt collection agencies change my credit file without a court decision? (I think banks can do this.)

I applied and got my first credit card from a bank successfully one month ago. Does this mean that I have no problem on my credit score?

I never get a copy of credit file before so having no idea about this. I will get one from Experian asap.

Thank you very much.

DevCoder

The FCRA (fair credit report act) is a us notion iirc.

CRA in the UK is credit reference agency and yes power suppliers or dca's can submit to your credit file and affect your credit worthiness.

Im assuming by CAS you are referring to a credit agency score? If so then scoring is worthless, lenders dont see ant scoring by any credit agency and instead have their own internal scoring mechanism which includes (but is not limited to) details on your credit file.

happy_bunny_2

I think it depends what's in the terms and conditions of the agreement you enter into. British Gas do report to CRAs so its likely in the Terms.

If its not, then I don't think they are allowed to report, even if sold to a DCA.

Check your report with noddle, its free.

You have a particular issue you need help with?

kidkid77

krisdorey wrote: »

The FCRA (fair credit report act) is a us notion iirc.

CRA in the UK is credit reference agency and yes power suppliers or dca's can submit to your credit file and affect your credit worthiness.

Im assuming by CAS you are referring to a credit agency score? If so then scoring is worthless, lenders dont see ant scoring by any credit agency and instead have their own internal scoring mechanism which includes (but is not limited to) details on your credit file.

Thank you very much for your reply and correction. I have amended my thread. I will apply for a copy of my credit file asap.

kidkid77

happy_bunny wrote: »

I think it depends what's in the terms and conditions of the agreement you enter into. British Gas do report to CRAs so its likely in the Terms.

If its not, then I don't think they are allowed to report, even if sold to a DCA.

Check your report with noddle, its free.

You have a particular issue you need help with?

Thank you very much.

I'm dealing with a debt with a DCA. The problem is I have no idea of this debt. So I think reading my credit file may be a good way to check if it is really my debt or not.

happy_bunny_2

Credit report is good start, but even if not your debt they might have put it on there when they should not have done.

I would suggest sending this, signed for, don't sign it:
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=11570893&postcount=2

Don't give them your phone number.

Never talk to DCAs on the phone, they will tell you stuff they would never put in writing.

Good luck

HB

happy_bunny_2

It's up to them to prove its your debt. DCAs try to get money via any means even if not the correct person. Some people just pay up.

kidkid77

happy_bunny wrote: »

Credit report is good start, but even if not your debt they might have put it on there when they should not have done.

I would suggest sending this, signed for, don't sign it:
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=11570893&postcount=2

Don't give them your phone number.

Never talk to DCAs on the phone, they will tell you stuff they would never put in writing.

Good luck

HB

Thank you very much for your help. I will read that.

Shall I contract with the energy supplier myself? Or just let DCA to prove me?

Buzby

If a DCA is dealing with it, it is either (a) the utility in disguise (b) a DCA acting on behalf of the utility, or (c) a third party who has purchased the debt.

Any ability to blight your credit file requires your express permission. Not only that, but if you want some fun, you can revoke this permission after any minimum term. The utility may insist you are terminating your contract and suggest you seek an alternative supplier, but that's part of the game.

Whether - ultimately - you regain your privacy is open to debate, but it can be fun trying.

happy_bunny_2

Send to DCA. If you contact the supplier, likely they will refer to DCA.

Especially if not your debt.

HB

Experian_company_representative

More and more utility firms are sharing customer payment information through the credit reference agencies, just like more traditional lenders. So like other lenders they can register and update information about your account with them each month, typically showing your payment, balance and a status code to indicate whether your account is up to date.

James