A new soft search on my Credit Karma report

[Deleted User]

I received an email saying that a new sort search had appeared on my Credit Karma report.  I signed in to check and it is:

"Credit Karma

Search reference:   {DDABBDA2-6996-4D34-A5C0-DDA6EC383C4C}

Application type:  individual"  "Check in to see who searched you"

I have not applied for anything from Santander and, as far as I can remember, I have not searched for information about any financial credit product.  I steer away from credit if at all possible.

Because it is a soft search is it OK to ignore it?  What surprised me is that I don't usually receive notification from Credit Karma regarding a sort search and asking me to check it.

I usually just receive a routine  email to say that I have a credit report available to view.

Maybe I am being too cautious, or wary,  but any reassurance or information would be appreciated, thank you.

Mark_d

If you used a comparison site, this could do soft searches in the background.  If you have any accounts with Santander, they might do periodic soft searches.  Perhaps you have an own-branded product that is provided by Santander?

I wouldn't be overly concerned about a soft search but it should make you question how much of your personal data is in the public domain?  Could I check your facebook profile and find your date of birth, town of birth, kids names...and make reasonable guess at your mother's maiden name, your first car etc.?

[Deleted User]

Thanks very much Mark_d.  I am not on Facebook and I don't have any account with Santander.  I have just remembered that I did search when I was thinking of opening another current account - to have as a back up.   I did not open any new account though.

I really appreciate your answer and I will be careful.  What surprised me was when the email said it was a soft search and encouraged me to check it.

400ixl

[Deleted User] said:

I really appreciate your answer and I will be careful.  What surprised me was when the email said it was a soft search and encouraged me to check it.

Because Credit Karma want to interact with you so they can possibly upsell services to you.

wiseonesomeofthetime

400ixl said:

[Deleted User] said:

I really appreciate your answer and I will be careful.  What surprised me was when the email said it was a soft search and encouraged me to check it.

Because Credit Karma want to interact with you so they can possibly upsell services to you.

Definitely this!

Their data has suggested that you are looking for a new product and they want to "help" you (for some commission in return, if course)

Nothing to worry about. Note and ignore (in this case).

[Deleted User]

Thank you for all these reassuring answers.