Experian Credit Report

MyGodiTsSoBig

I'm quite well off & consider myself quite financially astute. Now well into my early retirement I have become fairly inactive with regards to credit. I have no mortgage, no loans, no credit cards & only 2 bank accounts, 1 for savings & 1 for current account.

Imagine my surprise when I received my regular spam email from Experian this morning that casually informs me that a credit account has been added to my credit report. On logging in it seems the only way I can see this phantom account is by either downloading their app to a smart phone that I don't possess or to pay them my money to upgrade my report to be able to see MY information.

Is this a clumsy attempt at blackmail? Or is it just clumsy?

CliveOfIndia

You should be able to get your basic report for free: https://www.experian.co.uk/consumer/statutory-report.html

Or I think they offer a 30-day free trial of the "upgraded" report - just remember to cancel the subscription if you go for this option.  But the free one should give you what you need.

Do you pay for house, car, any other insurance monthly rather than annually?  Or a new mobile phone contract?  All of these are credit products, so will show on your report.

Nasqueron

MyGodiTsSoBig said:

I'm quite well off & consider myself quite financially astute. Now well into my early retirement I have become fairly inactive with regards to credit. I have no mortgage, no loans, no credit cards & only 2 bank accounts, 1 for savings & 1 for current account.

Imagine my surprise when I received my regular spam email from Experian this morning that casually informs me that a credit account has been added to my credit report. On logging in it seems the only way I can see this phantom account is by either downloading their app to a smart phone that I don't possess or to pay them my money to upgrade my report to be able to see MY information.

Is this a clumsy attempt at blackmail? Or is it just clumsy?

The app gives you the free report, unfortunately that is how they have chosen to do it and you not having a smart phone is the block. You can wait for the free one or use a free trial on the website sometimes

molerat

Also had an e-mail alert today re new account added.  Luckily I do have the app and it was Fuse Energy that are now reporting to Experian but not showing on Equifax or Transunion.

flaneurs_lobster

Do you not have a tablet device? 

MyGodiTsSoBig

Sending me an email saying that a new credit account has been added to my credit report is "CAUSE FOR ALARM" to me, especially when I have no recollection of any change in my financial affairs for at least 18mths.

To expect ME to either download something or to PAY to access MY information strikes me as demanding money with menaces.

If this is just a marketing exploit then they are off their collective rockers & their marketing dept' needs a good reality check. If this is a business decision that they have taken in order to increase revenue then I want it shut down.

CliveOfIndia

MyGodiTsSoBig said:

Sending me an email saying that a new credit account has been added to my credit report is "CAUSE FOR ALARM" to me

As I asked earlier, have you renewed or changed any insurance policies recently that you pay monthly?  New mobile phone contract?  Or, as Molerat says, it could be a utility company.  Whilst I can understand your concerns, it's more than likely something quite innocuous. 

MyGodiTsSoBig said:

To expect ME to either download something or to PAY to access MY information strikes me as demanding money with menaces.

Hardly.  Just request your free statutory report.

MyGodiTsSoBig said:

If this is just a marketing exploit then they are off their collective rockers & their marketing dept' needs a good reality check. 

Well yes, of course they like people to pay needlessly for their services - they are a business, after all.  Which is one reason why they like to harp on about their meaningless scores.

There's no point getting too het up about it.  Request your free report, or take the free trial option, check over your file, job's jobbed.

MyGodiTsSoBig

Dear Clive.

As i have stated before, I am now mostly & totally financially stagnant. I care not what my credit score is or will be in the future. I simply wish to be left alone to drink the odd dram of 10yr single malt whisky on my patio whilst the grandkids play in the pool.

They have sent me an email which has alerted my conscience, they have informed me that a credit account has been added to my credit report & the only way I can ease my mind is by paying them my money or doing as they say.

Dear Clive. Do you think this is an acceptable way to conduct business ???

CliveOfIndia

MyGodiTsSoBig said:

Dear Clive.

As i have stated before, I am now mostly & totally financially stagnant. I care not what my credit score is or will be in the future. I simply wish to be left alone to drink the odd dram of 10yr single malt whisky on my patio whilst the grandkids play in the pool.

They have sent me an email which has alerted my conscience, they have informed me that a credit account has been added to my credit report & the only way I can ease my mind is by paying them my money or doing as they say.

Dear Clive. Do you think this is an acceptable way to conduct business ???

I do understand your frustration.

If you do not have the means to use their online app, the free report is easily available - albeit you may have to wait a few days.

There are many legitimate reasons why a new credit agreement may appear on your report.  Not least of which, not all lenders report to all 3 CRAs.  So it's possible that a lender with whom you already have a relationship has recently started reporting in to Experian.

You could always check the other 2 CRAs which are easily accessible.  Whilst not 100% foolproof, it might shed some light on this mystery credit agreement (that creditor may also report in to one of the other CRAs).

MyGodiTsSoBig

Dear Clive.

I get what you are saying.

Is it OK for me to send you an email that ALERTS YOUR CONSCIENCE & the only way to pacify your alarm is to pay me money or to follow my commands?

Is this the new normal now?

flaneurs_lobster

In order for Experian to have your email address you must have signed up for their mailings at some point in the past. They are a responsible business, if you didn't want their mail then ask for it to be ceased.

Most people would be "interested" to know that such an entry has been added to their report, particularly if an individual were not active financially. It's part of being financially responsible, would you not want to be notified if, say, someone had tried to take money from your bank account? This credit entry might be a precursor to that.