Correcting Mistakes on My Credit File

jimbo26

I have obtained a copy of my credit file and noticed several mistakes.

One company has placed arrears notices on the account for six consecutive months last year, when in fact the payments were made in full. One bank has recorded the account being in arrears in June last year when in fact the account was in credit the entire month.

I wrote to both companies over ten days ago and had no reply, and the file hasn't been amended. How long should I give them? What do I do if they don't alter the information?

Lizalu

I too would love to know how to do this. Mine states I have 2 joint account swith my OH at different addresses, we enquired about one but never got one. Also says I have an extra credit card, which I closed over a year ago...

poorandindenial

If you go to the website of the agency that provided the credit file they have guidance about what to do with disputed information

Good luck

jimbo26

poorandindenial. Will that mean I have to go through the same procedure with all 3 credit reference agencies? Surely the company who put the information there has a duty to ensure it's accurate.

poorandindenial

Call Credit sent me a booklet with my credit file and that says that for incorrect info you contact them, explain why it is incorrect and can ask for it to be removed. Have you got access to all three credit files?? This way you will know whether it is a data error from your creditor or whether the data error is at the credit reference agency end. They may take up to a month to respond to you.

Have you tried phoning the company that the info is wrong about to see if they have received your letter and what they are doing about it.

jimbo26

I have the files from two of the agencies and the incorrect info is on both. I am loathed to deal with the agencies as a) it isn't their problem and b) it means repeating the information for each mistake three times.

I will try contacting by phone, but the thought of speaking to an Indian with limited English puts me off.

poorandindenial

OK, sorry, from the original post I thought you only had one of them so far.

The sad fact of it is that you always seem to have to go through the hell to get things like this sorted, it is painful but then at least you will be sorted out.

Are either of the companies high street (ie could you pop in and have a chat with them face to face) sometimes it is easier that way. Do either have customer charters on their websites?? That should say how long they will take to respond.

jimbo26

One is HSBC the other GE Money. I will give them 28 days if it's not sorted by then I'll go to the financial Ombudsman.

Another company who had recorded incorrect info changed it within 24 hours of getting the letter!

Donedoingdebt

The best way to go forward is to contact both the Creditor & the CRAs in writing. Explain to both why you feel the information is wrong & back this up with any evidence you have such as old statements etc. Notify the Creditor that you have contacted the CRAs about the matter. The CRA will then contact the Creditor & they will liase together to remove any information that should not be on your file.
Whenever I've rung the CRAs, I have never been put through to an Indian call centre.

jimbo26

Thanks I will try your advice. Re the call centres I meant the creditors. HSBC call centres are a nightmare. I might pop into my local branch as the staff are very helpful.

powerful_Rogue

Good luck as its exptrmely hard work - even if you have proof.
Im currently working my way through my credit file trying to get incorrect information corrected, and so far its resulted in numerous headaches.

They palm you off with bog standard template replies.

I wish you luck.