Experian doesn't identify me. Problem?

soulsaver

I signed on for the MSE free credit report early last year.
It uses Experian? It couldn't verify my identity.

It didn't seem important to me then as I don't require any credit.

I noticed it's offered again on Martin's latest email, so I had another go. It recognised my login from before and asked the id questions again.

Still it doesn't identify me. Tried a couple of minor tweaks, left off middle name, verified date I bought house (10 years ago), checked spelling DoB etc; I'm on the electoral register - but still no joy.

I've tried Experian direct but same.

Could this become a problem for me?

Willing2Learn

Are you able to verify your identity successfully to access your statutory reports from both Equifax and TransUnion? If you are successful in getting your report from Equifax and TransUnion, then you could answer the MSE Credit Club verification questions using the data in these reports.

If you can gain access to your Equifax and TransUnion accounts, then I suggest you go through both reports with a fine-toothed comb, looking for any errors or data inaccuracies.

colsten

soulsaver wrote: »

Could this become a problem for me?

It would be a problem if any company uses Experian for ID verification. E.g. if you apply for a current account with a bank which uses Experian in their ID verification. You also couldn't use Experian as one of the ID verification services when using GOV.UK VERIFY - - though there should be other alternatives you can use.

It's very odd though that you shouldn't be recognised on Experian, as it's almost impossible to escape their attention. Even most of your current accounts that never got overdrawn are registered there.

EarthBoy

My Experian credit report vanished a few months ago. I've used it in the past and it showed all my current accounts and credit cards. Now, all it shows is my name and address, -no bank accounts, no credit cards, no utility bills, nothing at all. It's the same whether I use MSE or go via Experian direct.

PRAISETHESUN

What I'd recommend is that you request a copy of your statutory report directly from Experian (rather than through MSE Credit Club) - they are legally obliged to provide this information if you request it. If/when they are unable to identify you they should request ID to verify your identity. If they don't then formally complain and offer to provide it. This should then link you to your credit file and provide access to your files, preventing more issues down the line.

soulsaver

Thanks for the input. 

Experian (direct) eventually responded after an initial 'can't identify - need more checks-  and allowed access. 
I've not retried MSE route to yet - probably no point.  . 
I've taken advantage of the first month free to note what records they are holding to harmonise with answers in any applications. 
Whilst I have no negatives at all and never missed payment by their data -ever- the banks may not like the proliferation of bank accounts I have recorded.