Can a DCA run a search on your credit file?

[overchargedandangry]

Got a copy of my Equifax file this morning and noticed a 'trace' search run by Mackenzie Hall (CNM LTD) on 12/03/07. Have never heard of them but assume they are a debt collection agency (have too much experience of them in the past to be fooled by this). I am not sure what this is for - I know I have definintely never given them any permission to do this and if it is for any previous debts, then they must be several years old. Had a lot of probs in the past but managed to repay the majority of them and have moved home a while since then. Am loath to get in touch with them in case it starts a lot of aggro - ie being chased consistently. As of yet, no other info from them appears on my credit file. If a debt has been sold from the company you originally signed the agreement with, then can a 3rd party (ie DCA) legally search your files without your permission?

Any advice please?

[tomterm8]

I am no longer welcome on CAG

[Duffers Mum]

Don't contact MH whatever you do, you'll probably find yourself in receipt of a little red postcard shortly, asking you to contact them urgently but not stating what about. Ignore it and them, they are a bunch of muppets, requested copy of CCA from them in January, they acknowledged receipt of request and said they would get their "client" to forward it. Nothing received, they have therefore defaulted, but still they send us letters offering a "one off reduced payment" (received this letter 4 times now). Noticed on my hubby's credit file they recorded a search on him and it was shortly after we received the postcard

[tomterm8]

I am no longer welcome on CAG
.

[overchargedandangry]

Thanks both. If I just ignore it, will they then record a default of some kind on my credit files? Or are they unlikely to go any further?

Concerning the CCA request, I have no actual correspondence from them (yet, anyhow) and don't really know what account/debt I am asking for (sorry to be a bit dim, I am very new). Don't even have a correspondence address for them.

[tomterm8]

I am no longer welcome on CAG

[Duffers Mum]

And if you do email them, set up a separate email address, you won't want them badgering you at your personal/work email address

[overchargedandangry]

Thanks TomTerm. Just wondered if you are aware of whether they are known by any other names/aliases, in case they try to disguise their identity (as of course they do) when they write? I did actually get a card from someone known as Clarity recently but put it down to junk mail and shredded it

Now I am wondering if it was from them

[tomterm8]

I am no longer welcome on CAG

[tomterm8]

I am no longer welcome on CAG

[overchargedandangry]

I have just done a Google and here is the website link for them - I remember the blue logo on the card, lol:

Welcome to Clarity Credit Management Solutions

[tomterm8]

I am no longer welcome on CAG

[overchargedandangry]

Thanks again tomterm. Have to go now, but will check back shortly. Many thanks for the advice, take care for now

[PaulW922]

Mackenzie Hall did a full search on me. They ignored all my letters about it. They then ignore dthe request for information on the search sent on my behalf by Equifax. After 28 days Equifax deleted the search.

[overchargedandangry]

Thanks PaulW922 - I shall wait to see if I get any further correspondence then will contact Equifax to see if they can enquire on my behalf, as they did with you.

[NailPost]

The FSA register is (currently) for companies defined in the Financial Services & Markets Act 2000 (FSMA) which came into force on December 1, 2001. Debt collectors such as Mackenzie Hall do not come under the jurisdiction of this act but the Consumer Credit Act 1974 as amended. No surprise they are not registered here then.

Bear in mind that a complaint to the FOS is valid only if the intial event happened on or after April 6 this year. In Overcharged's case that would seem to be likely. So if they start messing around go after them.

Keep an eye on your credit files in case MHall add negative information to it. If they do and can't provide documentary evidence to stand it up insist they remove it. If they don't report them to the Information Commissioner and start a court action against them for damages.

[remus]

Is this a tactic by the DCA to get you to get in touch with them?
They know more people are getting their credit reports, and are they hoping to strike lucky, as once you get in touch with them you acknowledge the debt, and if its nearly 6 years, that time is wiped out, and it starts all over again from the date you make contact of any kind
I would ignore it, and not respond in any way, you say you have moved, so I would leave it.

saying that, I am interested in the advice Re: Can a DCA run a search on your credit file?