1st Credit Trouble

NoFool

Way back in 2009, I started receiving letters from 1st Credit Ltd, claiming that I owed them approx £135. Since I knew I didn't have any outstanding bills and my name at the time was very common, I ignored their letters (they must have sent about 15 in a couple of months). The letters continued so I eventually asked them to prove that I owed them anything and surprise, surprise their letters stopped...

5 years on and I've just checked to my credit file to find an entry from 1st Credit Ltd for this amount, saying that I've defaulted on it. I'm absolutely fuming! I raised a dispute with Experian who have looked into this for me. 1st Credit Ltd are claiming that their entry is correct and that it relates to original creditor CashEuroNet UK (QuickQuid) so they won't remove it. I have never heard of, or used this creditor and think this is a case of mistaken identity (like I said, my first name and maiden name are very common). I've been able to keep a note on my credit file that this has been disputed but I want this false default removed ASAP.

Please can anyone advise how I go about getting this removed? Do I need to contact 1st Credit Ltd myself with a carefully worded letter or do I go straight to making a complaint about them? If so, how and to whom? Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I still can't believe this is going on after all this time.

Thank you.

National_Debtline

Hello there,

1st Credit (and any over credit company for that matter) has a legal obligation to ensure that the data they process about an individual is accurately processed. If they do not do this they could be in breach of the Data Protection Act. The thing to do is to write to 1st Credit briefly bulletpointing your concerns and requesting a copy of their formal complaints procedure.

If they fail to correct the incorrect information you can further a complaint to the Information Commissioner. You can find out more here: http://ico.org.uk/for_the_public/raising_concerns

We've a useful fact sheet that covers credit referencing in further detail, you can find it here:
https://www.nationaldebtline.org/EW/factsheets/Pages/05%20EW%20Credit%20reference%20agencies%20and%20credit%20reports/Default.aspx

Very best wishes,

David @ NDL.

NoFool

This is perfect - thanks so much for your help, David!

I'll check the links out and get on to 1st Credit about providing info. I'll report back once I have some news.

rizla_king

Also tell 1st credit that if they don't remove the libellous default you will be complaining to the FOS and reporting them to the FCA. http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumer/complaints.htm

happy_bunny_2

As stated, complain to first credit. In writing. Complaining to CRAs is largely a waste of time as the creditor just says it's correct.

They have 8 weeks to sort it or you can refer to FOS. This can take months also, so might not be a quick fix.

If it's stopping you applying for credit, mention this in the complaint as you might get compensation from the FOS if its the only bad thing on your file. They can be a bit rubbish at this though sometimes.

Is the default dated 5 years ago? It would drop off after 6, but it's worth sorting as someone will continue to chase you even after that.

Good luck

HB