Unauthorised credit search

Paul_o_5

Hi All,

New to the forum - but not to the site. Wondered if someone could help me out.

I was looking at buying a car and as I am in the process of moving house, and agreed to pay a deposit in order to secure it. I gave the salesman my details and an explicit instruction NOT to run any credit search until I was able to come in and discuss this post move and settling of finances.

Regardless of this instruction - and his agreement - he went ahead anyway. Do I have any recourse as there are now 2 searches on my file?

Thanks in advance.


Paul

Burlesque_Babe

I would contact Equifax and Experian and tell them the details.

when Ihave a search added, equifax email me to alert me and it always says something like 'if you did not authorise this search, contact Equifax'.

CLAPTON

I doubt if two searches (one for the mortgage presumably) will have any adverse effects.

Are you thinking of applying for further finance in the short term?

Also, as you have paid a deposit I presume you plan to go ahead with the purchase so they will anyway need to de a credit search before finalising the deal so what exactly is you concern?

Paul_o_5

CLAPTON wrote: »

I doubt if two searches (one for the mortgage presumably) will have any adverse effects.

Are you thinking of applying for further finance in the short term?

Also, as you have paid a deposit I presume you plan to go ahead with the purchase so they will anyway need to de a credit search before finalising the deal so what exactly is you concern?

The 2 searches were for the proposed car purchase. There was a specific reason I did not want them carried out as there is incorrect info on my file.

The issue I have is that if asked have I been refused, I have to answer yes - which makes my options more limited - therefore my concern. Unless someone can say conclusively that these 2 searches/declines do not have to be disclosed.

Irespective, I am unlikely to proceed with the purchase and will ask for my deposit back as I refuse to do business with an untrustworthy organisation

CLAPTON

I'm not sure I relly understand you.

The searches will show on your credit records but it will not say whether the credit was offered or indeed accepted.

I don't know of anyone that has actually ever been asked if they have had credit declined, but if that were to happen then your withdrawing from this deal would seem to be shooting yourself in the foot.

If there is incorrect information on your credit file then you should contact the CRAs and have it removed/corrected.

Paul_o_5

CLAPTON wrote: »

I'm not sure I relly understand you.

The searches will show on your credit records but it will not say whether the credit was offered or indeed accepted.

I don't know of anyone that has actually ever been asked if they have had credit declined, but if that were to happen then your withdrawing from this deal would seem to be shooting yourself in the foot.

If there is incorrect information on your credit file then you should contact the CRAs and have it removed/corrected.

I'll spell it out then. I have a serious issue with an organisation or individual that goes against a specific request that may have caused me problem by adding 2 searches to my credit file - assuming the information I have been told is correct (namely that lots of credit searches can go against you). Moreover, there is an issue of trust here and how I can be seen to be "shooting myself in the foot" by not proceeding to spend £15000 with an untrustworthy organisation is beyond me.

I'll ask my question again - do I have any grounds for complaint to anyone in respect of the car dealrer deciding to carry out a credit search without my authority?