Three mobile and Lowell ruining my credit file

phoenix99999

Hi everyone.

I've looked around but haven't found another case quite like mine, so I find myself a bit stressed.

I have recently found through Noddle (credit karma) that I have a default on my file. It has been there for nearly 5 years, placed by Three. I have seemed to struggle for cheap credit and wonder if this might have been why, with hind sight anyway.

When I look at the detail of the default, it say it's from Aug  2015 but I haven't had any dealings with 3 mobile for a very long time. The start date on file is 2003 which is more like the last time I had anything to do with them ( the first video mobile phones craze )

So recently I spent some time contacting Three about getting it removed as I don't know why it's there. I was told (twice as I've chased them) that they closed the account,which was in my old name (changed for family reasons) 2 addresses ago and they would sort out the credit scar. The default, I'm told was for £4.99

Yesterday I recieve a letter at my current address in my old name saying Lowell now own the debt and I have to pay them. I was furious. I contacted Three through live chat asking what was going on- they assured me that I can ignore the letters, it's all in hand. They ask me for my email address and number so that their debt collection team could update me once it's been done.

Just a moment ago I get a text message from Lowell's, with my old name asking me to get in touch. I am so angry!

Is that even legal? They are literally passing my info from one business to another... But when I asked for the chat transcript I had to fill out a GDPR form and attach my ID etc.

Can someone help me with what I can or should I do now?

[Deleted User]

Yes, it's even legal.  And it's very good practice that they asked for your ID before providing you with customer data.

You just need to escalate your complaint to have the matter dealt with, the default removed and the account closed.

phoenix99999

Thanks you. That is shocking, even to a born sceptic.

Is there a proper way to esculate it further? They have "closed" this account twice already.

[Deleted User]

It would be shocking if just anyone could phone up and be sent your data, sceptic or not.  Companies have a duty to protect your data, not just sling it about.

Follow their complaints procedure, which you should find on their website.

phoenix99999

Ok thanks, I'm obviously missing how closley linked these companies are. I spoke to them late last night and they said "don't worry, 48 hours and it'll be sorted." This morning I have a text message on the number I gave them to contact me once they've sorted it.

Should I do that after their quoted 48 hours is up or start that now anyway. Belt and braces

[Deleted User]

They're only linked in that they established the data sharing permissions in the privacy agreements to carry out the contract.

They're not part of the same company It's all in the terms you signed up to.

Don't start it now or you'll derail it and slow everything down.

phoenix99999

Thank you for the clarification, your time and some peace of mind.

It would be interesting to read the T&Cs I had signed in 2003, not interesting enough though.

I'll come back when I get any further.

phoenix99999

Hi.. It’s been a while now and things looked promising but now don’t. After many live chats promising to sort out the default, it disappeared. Only for one month though, then a default was added under Lowells. I’ll assume that now won’t disappear at year 6 as, according to Transunion, it’s new again. 

Start the complaint procedure? 

Any ideas as to how to approach this would be greatly appreciated. 

Kdray

I read an article that may help in your case, about getting the default date put back to the original date that three used. 

I have also read about getting in writing to have the default removed on agreement to pay under the circumstances. 

Please look I to this further though, as I would not want it to keep or trip you into a unfair fresh 6 years.

I tried posting the link however I'm too new..

Google....
can I get a default for a debt over 6 years old

Then click on the debtcamel link at the top.

Hope this helps! 

[Deleted User]

Kdray said:

I read an article that may help in your case, about getting the default date put back to the original date that three used. 

I have also read about getting in writing to have the default removed on agreement to pay under the circumstances. 

Please look I to this further though, as I would not want it to keep or trip you into a unfair fresh 6 years.

I tried posting the link however I'm too new..

Google....
can I get a default for a debt over 6 years old

Then click on the debtcamel link at the top.

Hope this helps! 

The default date must be the first date, Lowell can add a new default whenever (the 3 one must be marked as settled) but cannot create a new 6 year time period, the default must still disappear 6 years after the initial one. 

PixelPound

OP needs to confirm whether original default date has been preserved.
It looks like the debt has been sold. Fairly common for the old default to drop off and a new one for the debt purchaser, that way they can keep credit files updated (e.g. if a debt is being paid off)
OP probably should check credit file on all three agencies.