Credit check for new job - default!

JSwanC

Hi guys, not sure how articulately I can put this information so hopefully it makes sense.

I have an interview coming up for a grad scheme I really want at a major bank, and from what they've intimated to me I have a very good chance of getting it. They want to credit check me, fine, I had a good score though I accepted it had probably taken a few hits during my time at uni. I decided to re-register with Experian and when I looked at my score it's horrendous, there's a default on there. At first I had no idea what it could be, before I looked into and found it was for a £72 debt from Orange that I'd paid. Now, I wanted to dispute this when the debt recovery company first got in touch, but it had been about 5 years since the phone contract and as it was 72 quid I couldn't be bothered and thought it would be easy just to pay. What had happened is Orange had continued to charge me after I'd ended my contract, they apologised and I said I would do a direct debit indemnity and I did so and didn't hear anything about it until Lowell (debt recovery) got in touch last year and I didn't think anything of paying. I'm now in the process of disputing this default and trying to get it removed, but I'm worried even though it's satisfied it will stop me getting this job, any ideas if that's the case and what I should do?

Extremely grateful for any replies as time is of the essence

elsien

Would a notice of correction showing you are disputing the charge, and why, be possible?
Just wondering if you need to do the same with the other credit reference agencies as well.

JSwanC

I think I can do it with Experian, is there anyone else I need to do it with? Does this sound like something I should try and explain to the recruiting team before they do the check?

National_Debtline

Hi

I think you should ask Orange to correct your credit file as soon as possible. You can also report disputed information to the credit reference agencies to investigate.

I’m not sure how long it will take for your credit file to be corrected though, possibly too late for your employer credit check. A Notice of Correction is a good idea for the default to explain that it is incorrect and is in the process of being investigated. Bear in mind a Notice of Correction can make credit applications take longer as there are more checks involved.

I think a Notice of Correction should update with all three of the credit reference agencies if you add it to one.

EDIT - Experian actually recommends that you contact each credit reference agency with Notice of Correction details.

'We also recommend you contact the other credit reference agencies (Equifax and Callcredit) to notify them of the circumstances you want to explain, as the information we hold is not necessarily the same. We will provide them with any statement you add to court judgments.'

www.experian.co.uk/consumer/faq/AR5.html

James
@natdebtline

JSwanC

Thank you! Does this sound like a major problem for my application? I satisfied the default and it was only £72 to begin with and if i put a notification on my credit files will that sort the problem out short term?

[Deleted User]

Ask the bank group or it's agent, nobody should go into this blind.

Most same to for who you need to write the references and vouch for you in my experience. Didn't matter particularly what was on my credit file after being honest but getting references deemed suitable from particular people of society was more of a hair clutching experience.

Good luck. ..Hope you have more of an idea what you are walking into