Credit reference agencies have warned that late payment of bills can make it more difficult and more expensive for consumers to borrow money in the future and that people will have to be able to prove any payment problems were caused by the banking glitch. James Jones, head of consumer affairs at Experian, said: “It is perhaps yet to sink into the public, the potential ramifications in terms of adverse data about repayments. “If any payments are delayed, you really need to have a conversation with those creditors.".

“Many organisations now share data. It’s not just traditional lenders but mobile phone companies, utilities, broadband providers, mortgages, hire purchase agreements.” Mr Jones added that lenders should allow seven to 10 days before recording a late payment. Meanwhile, Neil Munroe, executive director of Equifax, said the agency was anticipating “more disputes” about missed and late payments.

Experian can be contacted on 0844 481 8000 or at experian.co.uk

Equifax can be contacted on 0844 335 0550 or at equifax.co.uk

Callcredit can be contacted on 0845 366 0071 or at callcredit.co.uk

Make a list and keep receipts

The Financial Ombudsman Service (fos) has warned that the knock-on effects from the computer meltdown could take some time to rectify. FOS spokesman David Cresswell said there would be a “ripple effect from the original problems”. He urged consumers to keep a detailed record of all their transactions, including receipts, late payment penalties and overdraft fees. “What you need to do is make a clear list of how you have been affected, so you can go back to your bank and say: ‘This is the complete picture, how can you help?” he said.

How to complain to the Financial Ombudsman

The FOS advises that complaints should be made first of all to the bank or company concerned. They have eight weeks to look at the problem. The FOS can contact the business on the customer’s behalf. It added that it may be able to provide compensation to some consumers if the bank is unable to resolve all disputes on its own. The Ombudsman can be contacted on 0800 023 4567 0800 023 4567 or at financial-ombudsman.org.uk.

Beware of e-mail [problem]s

Many of the Natwest, RBS and Ulster Bank customers affected have reportedly been targeted by fraudsters following the banking calamity. According to the Government’s Action Fraud centre, phishing e-mails are in circulation, claiming to be “security upgrades” and asking people for their account details. People are being urged not to click on any links or attachments in suspicious-looking e-mails. The RBS Group said it would never contact anyone in this way to ask confidential details.

Bank contact details

Customers experiencing problems can contact RBS and NatWest on:

0161 931 9959

0800 656 9639

0845 777 7766

If you’re calling from overseas the numbers are:

NatWest +44 (0) 8705 88444

RBS +44 (0) 13154 98888

Ulster Bank customers can cal:

l

Republic of Ireland 1800 205100

Northern Ireland 0800 231232 0800 231232.

Rememeber you demand that your credit file is cleansed of ALL entries. If you found a late payment on your credit report, take it up with the lender and if they refused to remove it, you could of course add a statement to your report (called a notice of correction) to make sure anyone using the data in the future is fully aware of the circumstances.