How to claim compensation for error on my credit file 2 July at 2:08PM in Credit File & Ratings 14 replies 482 views

karen_dyson

About six years ago, somebody fraudulently signed a mobile phone contract with EE using my address and a name similar to mine, and it has been affecting my ability to get credit.  I only recently discovered it, despite many enquiries to both EE and credit reference agencies (who all said that my credit was fantastic).  EE have now corrected it and offered £50 compensation.  I declined their offer of £50 because I know it has cost me a lot more than that over the last few years.  
Some of the issues I have had include being declined for credit cards, being unable to upgrade my bank account to qualify for free travel insurance, being unable to obtain a new mobile phone contract, being unable to change providers for internet etc.  I suspect it has also affected other things such as the price of my car insurance.  Does anyone have any advice on how to structure my compensation claim, and/or what to include.  Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

zx81

I would take the £50. 

EE were defrauded by the individual, but have now resolved it.  I can't see that the Ombudsman would increase the compensation.

I'm also not sure how it would have affected your car insurance.  If you hadn't passed ID checks, you wouldn't have got insurance at all.

onthemend88

I would just take the offer. You will be waiting potentially over a year from any resolution with the FOS and your reasons won't go far without substantial proof. Take the £50. 

Malkytheheed

Your credit file does not impact the price of your car insurance. 

MovingForwards

Late / missed payments would mean instalments for car insurance may not be possible.
CCJs / IVA / Bankruptcy mean some insurers wouldn't even quote you. 

Were you told the reason everytime you were declined for credit (highly doubtful as they cant / don't say). Do you have written proof of the reasons? Credit and upgrades are a privilege, not a right.

Without evidence, you can't even begin to quantify it.

maxximus75

If you take it to the Ombudsman and they don't find in your favour then the £50 will stand so really, you don't have anything to loose.

Just furnish the Ombudsman with as much info and proof as you can.  You never know, you may get an increase but you won't get a reduction.

Good luck!

Hasbeen

The Op has declined the £50 offer. So do not believe it stands at this time?

karen_dyson
"EE have now corrected it and offered £50 compensation.  I declined their offer of £50 because I know it has cost me a lot more than that over the last few years."  

D3xt3r5L4b

How much has it cost you OP?

Whats the breakdown of sustainable losses?

adamp87

I think you’d struggle to get any more. Yes it may have lost you opportunities but you aren’t guaranteed credit in any case do I can’t see how you’d win pushing for more. 

DCFC79

karen_dyson said:

About six years ago, somebody fraudulently signed a mobile phone contract with EE using my address and a name similar to mine, and it has been affecting my ability to get credit.  I only recently discovered it, despite many enquiries to both EE and credit reference agencies (who all said that my credit was fantastic).  EE have now corrected it and offered £50 compensation.  I declined their offer of £50 because I know it has cost me a lot more than that over the last few years.  
Some of the issues I have had include being declined for credit cards, being unable to upgrade my bank account to qualify for free travel insurance, being unable to obtain a new mobile phone contract, being unable to change providers for internet etc.  I suspect it has also affected other things such as the price of my car insurance.  Does anyone have any advice on how to structure my compensation claim, and/or what to include.  Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

You could have been declined for the examples even if the error wasn't on your file.

Not sure how you can quantify a compensation amount, yes its annoying its happened but Id take the £50.

Takmon

karen_dyson said:

About six years ago, somebody fraudulently signed a mobile phone contract with EE using my address and a name similar to mine, and it has been affecting my ability to get credit.  I only recently discovered it, despite many enquiries to both EE and credit reference agencies (who all said that my credit was fantastic).  EE have now corrected it and offered £50 compensation.  I declined their offer of £50 because I know it has cost me a lot more than that over the last few years.  
Some of the issues I have had include being declined for credit cards, being unable to upgrade my bank account to qualify for free travel insurance, being unable to obtain a new mobile phone contract, being unable to change providers for internet etc.  I suspect it has also affected other things such as the price of my car insurance.  Does anyone have any advice on how to structure my compensation claim, and/or what to include.  Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

I don't understand why it took you so long to check your credit files and spot the account that was in error. I would take the £50 because it's not EE's fault you didn't spot it until now.