Incorrect default on my credit file

JamieTale · 9 February 2015 at 8:51PM

Hello all,

I'm after some advice please. I have always had a spotless credit record and been very protective of it too. I request my credit file every six months or so just to check that everything is as it should be.

I moved house six months ago and got an up-to-date credit file from one of the agencies yesterday and was shocked to find that United Utilities have put a defaulted account on my file for over £1000. I am sure that this is wrong as I have never had an account with United Utilities. In my previous address all utilities were under and paid for by my flat mate and my name was not on any of the utilities. I now live alone and have an account with United Utilities but this is paid up-to-date as are all my other bills and accounts. The default was added just a couple of weeks ago.

Basically I would like to know what my first course of action should be as this is definitely not an account that I've held. Gut feeling tells me I'm going to have a battle on my hands

Any help appreciated.
Thanks

GingerBob_3 · 9 February 2015 at 8:59PM

I hope, when you started taking a water supply from UU, you didn't provide them with any identifiable information other than surname and initial? If you provided them with DoB for instance, that would have allowed them to lodge this erroneous data against you.

Incidentally, in any communication you have with them, ban them from carrying out a credit check against you, and withdraw any consent you may have given them in this respect.

JamieTale · 9 February 2015 at 9:29PM

That's interesting Bob. I can't remember whether I gave them my date of birth when I signed up to them but the default on my credit file has my date of birth listed with it...and it's correct.

How would I go about withdrawing my consent for them to run any future checks on me?

Many thanks

GingerBob_3 · 9 February 2015 at 9:38PM

JamieTale wrote: »

That's interesting Bob. I can't remember whether I gave them my date of birth when I signed up to them but the default on my credit file has my date of birth listed with it...and it's correct.

How would I go about withdrawing my consent for them to run any future checks on me?

Many thanks

They would definitely have asked for your DoB if you rang them up or you filled in a form to take a supply. You should write to them stating that they are forbidden from accessing any file about you held by credit reference agencies.

I know there can be problems with joint tenancies and water companies. Basically they'll chase anyone they can if a bill is left unpaid. You'll have to ask them to explain how they've come to blacklist you.

Another point about dealing with water companies is that you should never provide previous addresses when taking a supply.

Ideally when moving your should wait for contact from the water company, ascertain their charges then set up a standing order, paying them as "The Occupier".