CCJ showing on Equifax that isn’t mine

zfaque

Hello,

I’ve just looked at my Experian report as I’m going to be applying for a mortgage soon.

Under ‘attributable data’ is listed a CCJ that isn’t mine. The person has the same name as me but it is not mine. I’ve contacted the court using the code listed on Equifax and they in turn have given me a further phone number to use to explain the situation further. I will be calling them when I get the opportunity later today,

Does anyone have experience of this? How long does this sort of thing take to resolve?

Can someone please help as I’m feeling a bit panicky.

Many Thanks

[Deleted User]

I would suggest you do as they have asked and see how long they say it will take.

Only they can guide you on their timescales for such things

[Deleted User]

If this causes you significant difficulty you should take up the matter with your MP and report Experian to the ICO. I looked into what is meant by 'attributable data' and basically it means that they've had a guess at who the record pertains to, and in your case they've got it wrong. To make a guess such as this is outrageous data processing, but from what I understand, it's become standard practice. The only people who benefit from this are those who have escaped being hit with the CCJ marker in the first place. Everyone else is a loser.

[Deleted User]

No need to report to your MP - it’s not their beef to deal with

[Deleted User]

As mentioned, if this matter disadvantages you, and maybe even if it doesn't, take it up with your MP. The issue for your MP is the way a bad credit referencing practice is working to the disadvantage of the consumer. This is a general point, potentially affecting many individuals. For your specific case, if you don't get it resolved quickly then the ICO is the body to contact.

Nasqueron

!!! wrote: »

No need to report to your MP - it’s not their beef to deal with

Credit agencies saying "well we have a debt for Gary Dexter so let's just lump it on this Gary Dexter because it saves us doing any work" is absolutely a matter for the MP, they should be ensuring firms can't pull this sort of trick and get away with it, or better yet, can't do it at all

zfaque

Many thanks for your responses.

I have since rang the number I was given for County Courts Money Claims who instead of helping me resolve the matter or signposting me in the direction where I could get help, were defensive explaining it’s not their fault that I have the same name! All the worker could suggest is that I email her department so that it is in writing. So essentially I’ve repeated the same information to the same department twice. I copied Equifax customer service and the Registry Trust into the email.

Needless to say, I’ve now had to put house hunting and my mortgage application on hold. I’m gobsmacked at this, the onus should be on them to evidence that the debt is mine not just add it to my file and hope for the best!

I also consider this a massive data breach. I now know the name and address of someone, that they have a CCJ, what the amount is and when the court date was. If this was mine I wouldn’t want random members of the public knowing this information.

I’ll progress to the ICO if the matter is not resolved and in a timely way and also the MP as advised.

At a time where I should feel excited and happy is now instead giving me anxiety and stress through reasons that are not my fault. It’s scary that your life plans can be put on hold like this.

Many thanks again.

[Deleted User]

zfaque wrote: »

Many thanks for your responses.

I have since rang the number I was given for County Courts Money Claims who instead of helping me resolve the matter or signposting me in the direction where I could get help, were defensive explaining it’s not their fault that I have the same name! All the worker could suggest is that I email her department so that it is in writing. So essentially I’ve repeated the same information to the same department twice. I copied Equifax customer service and the Registry Trust into the email.

Needless to say, I’ve now had to put house hunting and my mortgage application on hold. I’m gobsmacked at this, the onus should be on them to evidence that the debt is mine not just add it to my file and hope for the best!

I also consider this a massive data breach. I now know the name and address of someone, that they have a CCJ, what the amount is and when the court date was. If this was mine I wouldn’t want random members of the public knowing this information.

I’ll progress to the ICO if the matter is not resolved and in a timely way and also the MP as advised.

At a time where I should feel excited and happy is now instead giving me anxiety and stress through reasons that are not my fault. It’s scary that your life plans can be put on hold like this.

Many thanks again.

You could also speak to a solicitor about this, with a view to legal action against the credit reference agency. Maybe you already have one in connection with your potential mortgage application?