Next Credit Search

Jason_Bourne_2

I spent some birthday money on new shoes from next and when I proceeded to the check out they asked me to log in with my email and password, so I did that.

I paid the transaction in full using my debit card,never tried to get any credit etc.

Checked my credit report a month a month later to see that they have registered a search on my file for credit application which amazed me.

My log in details have been the same for around 7 years with next so this wasn't a new application where I could have checked the button by mistake.

I've been in DMP for 3 years so I know not to apply for credit and I'm quite annoyed about this as I intend to pay all my outstanding debt off in the next few months.

Anyone else had similar problems? Should I contact next or the credit reference agencies and what are the chances if this search being removed?

LeafGreen

Yes I had similar problems with Next earlier in the year, they really peed me off with their practices.

What happened is that I ordered some furniture online. I went to pay in full, but for some reason my card was declined (no idea why, sufficient funds available, no other issues using that card)... but Next decided to automatically open a credit account for me, without asking. Presumably this involved a credit search although I did not check. They were subsequently unable to close the account until (I assume) the montly billing cycle had completed and I was able to pay it off.

I complained but got not response. Had a good mind to take it further as I am sure there is something very dodgy about giving people credit accounts when they haven't asked for one, but I didn't bother in the end.

I will not be using Next online again because of this.

I don't know if searches can be removed once they have occured but if I were you I would make a formal complaint and ask what they intend to do to remedy the situation.

Jason_Bourne_2

I had a historic next credit account which I haven't used since my DMP started. I always had the option to pay up front or pay installments.

I logged in to buy these shoes, paid up front and find a credit search. Really annoyed about this, surely they have no right to credit search without asking permission or actually applying for credit.

YorkshireBoy

The Next account T&Cs (Data Protection section) say they reserve the right to carry out ongoing periodic searches of CRA files in order to administer your account with them.

However, they also seem to indicate that these will be recorded as 'quotation' searches, ie they won't be seen by other lenders.

Have either of you read your T&Cs recently?

rizla_king

http://www.next.co.uk/help/WinHelpSC.asp

Use of Credit Reference Agency Information and sharing of credit information.

In the interests of responsible lending and for security purposes we carry out searches with credit reference agencies when you register with Next and further searches may be carried out before deciding whether to accept orders and/or grant further credit. The agencies record these searches. We also share information about you and the conduct of your account with credit reference agencies, other lenders and relevant third parties.

Information about you and other members of your household and those with whom you are financially linked will be used to verify your identity and for the credit assessment of you and them.

We may also use your information for payment recovery or fraud and debt tracing. We will pass on details of defaulting accounts to debt collection agencies.

For details of the Credit Reference Agencies that we receive information from and share information with write to the Group Data Protection Manager at Head Office or via dataprotection@next.co.uk, quoting Security and Privacy Enquiry.

Who does Next disclose the information it collects to?

We use information about you for purposes other than the provision of a website shopping facility. As a result we may disclose your information to:

• Credit Reference Agencies - for more information see above.
• Legal and debt recovery representatives for debt collection and debtor tracing purposes.
• Reputable companies to fulfil your order or process your data on our behalf.
• Next Group Companies.

Next will not share your information with companies outside of the Next Group for marketing purposes. Please be aware that if we are requested, by the police or any other regulatory or Government authority investigating suspected illegal activities, to provide your information and/or use your information, we are entitled to do so.

Jason_Bourne_2

This isn't logged as a quotation search or identity type search. The search type is for credit. It's the only one I've had in the last 3 years. Plenty insurance searches etc.....

Thanks for the post above. Still really annoyed though as I didn't apply/ask for credit.

I was expecting some sort of search for address verification etc but to leave a credit application search is poor IMO.

ValHaller

YorkshireBoy wrote: »

The Next account T&Cs (Data Protection section) say they reserve the right to carry out ongoing periodic searches of CRA files in order to administer your account with them.

However, they also seem to indicate that these will be recorded as 'quotation' searches, ie they won't be seen by other lenders.

Have either of you read your T&Cs recently?

True enough it might be in the T&C's. But the Data proection principles http://www.ico.org.uk/for_organisations/data_protection/the_guide/the_principles
say amongst other things

Personal data shall be adequate, relevant and not excessive in relation to the purpose or purposes for which they are processed.

Checking credit records for a straight fully paid non credit purchase seems to me to be potentially in breach of the law and I suspect that if the ICO were forced to be involved, then Next might find themselves having to scrub a load of data.

angelsmomma

My friend bought a table in a store and paid with her debit card.

They asked for her details to send her a catalogue and lo and behold not only did they credit search and opened a credit account for her but she was invoiced for £3 for the catalogue she thought was free since they did not indicate that there was a charge which was deducted from her next purchase.

This underhand practice is the reason I never buy from next, either in a store or online.

Gordon_Hose

I entered a competition after being approached by a member of staff in their Canturbury store. Filled out a card with my name, address and phone number then sat back hoping I'd win an Audi A3. A week later a letter arrived along with a catalogue (that cost £3.75) and details of my new credit account and limit. Not once was I told that entering a competition would mean I'd end up with a line of credit, and you certainly don't think to read the small print, especially when the answer is "nothing" when you ask what the catch is.

I used the account for 6 months or so to add green marks on my credit file, then closed it completely.

Even now my OH finds it difficult to order online with a debit card.

Jason_Bourne_2

Managed to get this search taken off my credit file which is good. I've just applied for a credit card to help my file and am aiming for a mortgage towards the end of he year.
The less credit searches the better.

The_Boss

grahamgoo wrote: »

Yes I had similar problems with Next earlier in the year, they really peed me off with their practices.

What happened is that I ordered some furniture online. I went to pay in full, but for some reason my card was declined (no idea why, sufficient funds available, no other issues using that card)... but Next decided to automatically open a credit account for me, without asking. Presumably this involved a credit search although I did not check. They were subsequently unable to close the account until (I assume) the montly billing cycle had completed and I was able to pay it off.

I complained but got not response. Had a good mind to take it further as I am sure there is something very dodgy about giving people credit accounts when they haven't asked for one, but I didn't bother in the end.

I will not be using Next online again because of this.

I don't know if searches can be removed once they have occured but if I were you I would make a formal complaint and ask what they intend to do to remedy the situation.

Exactly the same situation in November 2012 with me. Had had my account for years and used it online many times. For some reason they opened up a credit account for me despite me never requesting or approving this and sent me a card and credit agreement.

Made several phone calls and emails and eventually they closed the credit account, removed the search, removed all traces of the account from my credit files and sent me a £25 voucher for the hassle.

I've not used Next online since and won't do again