Unauthorised Searches of file

[100mel]

I have a couple of unauthorised but recorded searches of my Experian credit file. I have written to Experian requesting removal or proof of my consent. Nothing received and request totally ignored beyond the usual notice of correction. In scoring me Experian advise that the number of searches on my file could be negatively impacting my credit score yet they fail to act on incorrect data. Does the Information Commissioners Office have any view on incorrect search data? As usual Experian believe themselves above every law

[freddyj]

I have never had unauthorised searches on my file - so I am not sure how I would sort that one. However, I know for a fact that I have had searches I've done, then at a later dat I have just wrote off asking that they remove it as it's impacting negatively on my ability to get favourable credit terms!! Usually it works - in fact over the last 4 years or so Egg Banking, Halifax, Black Horse, BMW Finance, Lloyds Credit Card, are just some who have wrote back and said they will remove. Perhaps just by asking it will sort itself out. However, if I knew specifically that a search had been done then I belive it's up to that organisation to PROVE it, if not then you can refer to Information Comm....THe CRA may like to know in cases of fraud...

[bobbyh99]

If they are the searches which have a code of "U" then these apparently can't be seen by anyone except you and Experian and they come off after a year also.

So say Experian!!

[Sol]

I've got a few searches on my Annual Credit Report (Callcredit) from HBOS and another one. I knew nothing of this. Should I contact Callcredit about this?

I've just sent away for my statutory reports from all three CRAs, although, it'll probably be a bit longer from Experian as they've asked for a copy of my birth cert and proof of address.

[Allwood]

Wonder who is committing the fraud the CRA's employees or their clients that have no authority to be trawling through files in the first place.

[NORNIRONGIRL08]

If the searches are under Credit Searches as I have had an ongoing battle with CNM Data in Wakefield who do searches for numerous DCAs as some of the DCAs would be breaching the Data Protection Act by searching your file. These searches are usually carried out as phishing exercises resulting in being sent threat o grams from DCAs regarding Alleged Debts following these "Searches" Worse thing is they can do as many as they like but they are all recorded on your file and stay on it for 6 years Grrrr

[NORNIRONGIRL08]

This was response I got from Information Commissioners Office
1st July 2008

Case Reference Number RFA0201865

Dear NI Gril

Thank you for your correspondence dated 15/05/08, regarding organisations performing unauthorised credit searches on you.

Please accept my apologies for the delay in replying to you, our office is currently dealing with large volumes of work. This has meant that we have been unable to deal with incoming correspondence as promptly as we would like.

In most cases, an organisation would need to inform individuals before performing a credit search. This is to comply with the first principle of the Data Protection Act 1998. If you feel that this has not taken place, you should first raise this matter in writing, or by e-mail, with the organisations that performed these searches. Make sure you keep copies of your correspondence.

If you are not satisfied with their response, or do not receive any response, please contact us again.

Please quote the above case reference number in all future correspondence about this matter. Failure to do so may delay the processing of your complaint.

If you would like any further clarification please contact our Helpline on 08456 30 60 60 or 01625 545745 if you would prefer to call a national rate number.

Yours sincerely,

James Cooper
Case Reception Unit
The Information Commissioner's Office