Hard debt collection search - anyone experienced one?

cymruchris

I've just received a notification on credit karma that I have a 'Hard debt collection search' from Elevate East London LLP - I had a bankruptcy back in 2013 following a business collapse in 2012 - but all debts were settled when my property was sold - I was quite meticulous to record who was owed what, and since then I've owed nothing to nobody as they say. Someone somewhere obviously thinks I owe them money (the company named above is linked to the area I lived in)- but being a hard search, that's going to have a negative impact on my history. Has anyone had one, challenged it, and gotten it removed?

Willing2Learn

One isolated search will not have any impact on how you are viewed by lenders...so try not to worry... 

[Deleted User]

I had a few, even though they are well aware of where I lived! Didn't affect me getting far more unsecured credit than I'd expect, or my job so I wouldn't worry.

Only issue I would think would be if a mortgage company saw it - but it's highly likely you'd have to declare the Bankruptcy anyway, so shouldn't actually cause a decline (as Bankruptcy is a bigger issue than a search, search can be explained away).

I did challenge the lot of them, only 1 was removed, the others were "appropriate". CRAs were useless and the companies didn't respond to my complaint. Was going to take it to FOS, but knew they'd drop off before I got a mortgage so didn't bother.

If you've been in the same address and have time on your hands, you could try complaining and say you'll take it to FOS, as I can't see a valid reason for them searching you if you haven't been moving about.

If you've moved about (I see you mention a property was sold) you might struggle - BUT, as you say they were settled you could still argue they have no legitimate reason to be searching you - they'd have to prove otherwise to FOS.

cymruchris

Willing2Learn said:

One isolated search will not have any impact on how you are viewed by lenders...so try not to worry... 

I'm not really worried so much on impact in the grand scheme of things - but being as certain as I can be that everything I needed to settle was settled (including the infamous council tax) - I'm a little at a loss as to why now they've done a hard search. By doing so, they'll no doubt know where I live now, so I can wait a week or two and see if any 'demands' appear in the post - and if not - I'll probably get in touch with them to understand why they did it. 

cymruchris

Somerset_La_La_La said:

I had a few, even though they are well aware of where I lived! Didn't affect me getting far more unsecured credit than I'd expect, or my job so I wouldn't worry.

Only issue I would think would be if a mortgage company saw it - but it's highly likely you'd have to declare the Bankruptcy anyway, so shouldn't actually cause a decline (as Bankruptcy is a bigger issue than a search, search can be explained away).

I did challenge the lot of them, only 1 was removed, the others were "appropriate". CRAs were useless and the companies didn't respond to my complaint. Was going to take it to FOS, but knew they'd drop off before I got a mortgage so didn't bother.

If you've been in the same address and have time on your hands, you could try complaining and say you'll take it to FOS, as I can't see a valid reason for them searching you if you haven't been moving about.

If you've moved about (I see you mention a property was sold) you might struggle - BUT, as you say they were settled you could still argue they have no legitimate reason to be searching you - they'd have to prove otherwise to FOS.

That's very useful - and thanks for taking the time to share your experience - the old google search didn't really come up with much in terms of 'hard debt collection searches'. The bankruptcy was 2013 - but I didn't leave the property until 2016 (and had a mail redirection in place for another 6 months following) - so whatever they are wanting to chase now - they certainly didn't try and chase it back then. 

selinek

I have had 2 searches from DCA’s showing as hard searches on credit karma. When it was noodle they were soft searches. Both debts are unenforceable. Can I get them removed or lodged as a soft search. My credit is excellent but I  will be applying for a car loan in a few months. I don’t want  these search to hamper my chances. Interestingly clear score do not show either of the searches and Experian shows one as a soft search. Any advice please 

selinek

Bump:


I have had 2 searches from DCA’s showing as hard searches on credit karma. When it was noodle they were soft searches. Both debts are unenforceable. Can I get them removed or lodged as a soft search. My credit is excellent but I  will be applying for a car loan in a few months. I don’t want  these search to hamper my chances. Interestingly clear score do not show either of the searches and Experian shows one as a soft search. Any advice please 

SnowTiger

selinek said:

Bump:


I have had 2 searches from DCA’s showing as hard searches on credit karma. When it was noodle they were soft searches. Both debts are unenforceable. Can I get them removed or lodged as a soft search. My credit is excellent but I  will be applying for a car loan in a few months. I don’t want  these search to hamper my chances. Interestingly clear score do not show either of the searches and Experian shows one as a soft search. Any advice please 

I thought companies had to ask permission before doing a hard search.

Equifax: 

Who can perform a credit search?

Whenever you apply for credit, whether it’s a personal loan, a credit card or a mortgage, a lender is likely to perform a credit search. Searches cannot be carried out without you first giving your permission, so if you do see searches in your credit report that you don’t recognise, you might want to raise this with whoever supplied the report.

Money Advice Service: 

Who looks at your credit report?

When you apply for credit the process usually involves you giving your permission to the credit provider to check your credit report.

Citizens Advice: 

Credit reference agencies are companies which are allowed to collect and keep information about consumers' borrowing and financial behaviour. When you apply for credit or a loan, you sign an application form which gives the lender permission to check the information on your credit reference file.

Perhaps Credit Karma is displaying the type of search incorrectly?

You appear to accept the debt is valid.  You probably agreed with the lender that they could perform credit searches on you from time to time.  The DCA may have inherited that permission.

It seems inappropriate to perform a (hard) credit search when an application for credit hasn't been made.

If I were you I'd check my real, underlying, credit file from TransUnion.  You could then ask TransUnion to remove the searches because you had not given permission for them to be carried out.

selinek

SnowTiger said:

selinek said:

Bump:


I have had 2 searches from DCA’s showing as hard searches on credit karma. When it was noodle they were soft searches. Both debts are unenforceable. Can I get them removed or lodged as a soft search. My credit is excellent but I  will be applying for a car loan in a few months. I don’t want  these search to hamper my chances. Interestingly clear score do not show either of the searches and Experian shows one as a soft search. Any advice please 

I thought companies had to ask permission before doing a hard search.

Equifax: 

Who can perform a credit search?

Whenever you apply for credit, whether it’s a personal loan, a credit card or a mortgage, a lender is likely to perform a credit search. Searches cannot be carried out without you first giving your permission, so if you do see searches in your credit report that you don’t recognise, you might want to raise this with whoever supplied the report.

Money Advice Service: 

Who looks at your credit report?

When you apply for credit the process usually involves you giving your permission to the credit provider to check your credit report.

Citizens Advice: 

Credit reference agencies are companies which are allowed to collect and keep information about consumers' borrowing and financial behaviour. When you apply for credit or a loan, you sign an application form which gives the lender permission to check the information on your credit reference file.

Perhaps Credit Karma is displaying the type of search incorrectly?

You appear to accept the debt is valid.  You probably agreed with the lender that they could perform credit searches on you from time to time.  The DCA may have inherited that permission.

It seems inappropriate to perform a (hard) credit search when an application for credit hasn't been made.

If I were you I'd check my real, underlying, credit file from TransUnion.  You could then ask TransUnion to remove the searches because you had not given permission for them to be carried out.

Really helpful. I will have a look. Maybe it’s the way credit karma report it’s information, we’ll see. Thanks again 

selinek

I’ve had a look at Transunion I have raised a dispute. It will take 28 days. Will report back 

squired_2

selinek said:

I’ve had a look at Transunion I have raised a dispute. It will take 28 days. Will report back 

Any update on this?