Mixed Credit File

EmB12

My credit file has been mixed with that of another person. This person has a similar surname to mine (but is not the same) and lives in a different part of the country. 

I first noticed the problem about 10 years ago, raised disputes with Equifax/ Experian who would contact the companies who held the record but they generally would respond with 'we believe this is you' and Equifax / Experian would close the account. When I've received letters sent to my address with this surname, I have called the company to explain and they have told me they have amended their files, but I don't think it has happened.

I am now looking to buy a house, and this other person's credit history has destroyed my chances of this. There are lots of defaults / missed payments / searches that are not mine. She is now 'associated' with me and Transunion has logged that person as being on the electoral roll at my address.

I have contacted the agencies. There responses have been:
Equifax: not our problem - speak to the companies who put the record on your file
Experian: we've raised a dispute but they say you are the same person
Transunion: no response

I have started to contact the companies where she has current accounts, but the companies don't seem to understand the issue. For example, Tesco Mobile asked me whether I started an account that I'd forgotten about (and then paid monthly for years whilst having an account with another mobile provider in a different part of the country) and Eon have apologised for creating an account in my name, which is not the issue. I had called TSB last year when I saw there was a hard search on my credit file, I spoke to 4 people who all assured me that they could see it wasn't me... there is now a current account in this person's name on my credit file.

I read the article posted in 2020 regarding Andy Smith having a similar issue, but the credit agencies are no help in my case. I'm really not sure what I need to to disassociate myself from this person and have her accounts removed from my credit file?

EmB12

I should add that my contact with the three credit agencies was via a formal letter of complaint

[Deleted User]

escalate to the ICO if they refuse to fix this, it's a huge GDPR issue

EmB12

Deleted_User said:

escalate to the ICO if they refuse to fix this, it's a huge GDPR issue

Thank you. I said that I would do this in my complaint letter but Equifax we’re seriously not bothered. I’ll do this today