Protecting Credit Files

MLB2019

Hi All,
Wondered if anyone had any ideas or suggestions.

I’m looking into ways to stop people accessing my credit files. I understand I can password protect my credit files and also register for CIFAS protective registration.

However I’ve got a few queries in general
1. What information exactly can someone gain through a soft search and a hard search of your credit file?
2. Will password protection/CIFAS PR stop soft searches or only hard searches?
3. Is there a way to prohibit certain types of companies from viewing your credit file?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
MLB2019

[Deleted User]

No you can’t stop companies searching your files.

Why would you want to?

cjv

As far as I am aware my credit files have never been searched without my permission (which you give when making an application etc).

I guess to stop people searching your credit files, don't ever apply for anything that includes this permission?

jonesMUFCforever

OP if you completely stop searches on your credit files you won't be getting any new cards, overdrafts, loans, mortgages,phone contracts,catalogues,store cards,new bank accounts etc etc.
If you don't want any of these carry on.

nick74

The most effective way of preventing anyone searching your credit files is to never apply for anything. Companies cannot search your file on a whim. Even if they did it would leave a clearly identifiable footprint on your file which you could investigate if you believed it was unauthorised.

I have personally known an example of this where I had a mortgage with YBS and about three years into the mortgage they inexplicably carried out a credit search on me. I spotted a search from YBS on my file but didn't think too much of it, then a month or so later I received a letter from YBS apologising for the erroneous search and promising they would have it removed from my file, which they did.

PixelPound

Companies can search for your file if they have some kind of financial connection or an agreement. So if you have ever gone on a comparison site for such as credit, insurance, or services, then you may get searches appearing again months/years later before they spam you with new offers. If you have had credit, insurance or services you may get new searches appearing before they spam you.

RonaldLPena

Privacy is a myth. If you think that you can secure your credit files from the companies then it's not possible. They will somehow get access. The only way to secure your files is stop apply for anything that ask for personal information.