Shop Direct/Arrow Global - Debt not mine

[Tiger1984]

Please can someone help us with this problem?

 

I applied to a lender to remortgage with my husband a month ago and was surprised when we were refused. We both checked our credit reports and I found a default had been placed on my credit history late last year by Arrow Global. However it appeared under a previous address I moved from over 2 years ago.

 

I rang Arrow Global and they told me that the debt came from Shop Direct for an unpaid credit account. I have never had a credit account with Shop Direct or any of their companies. They asked me to write to them explaining the situation and proof of my new address from when I moved, which I sent. They told me it was up to me to prove I hadn't taken out this account, not for them to prove I did.

 

I also haven't received any statements or letters from either Shop Direct or Arrow Global, as it appears that both have my old address. The default simply appeared out of nowhere.

 

I have reported the matter to the police and obtained a crime reference number, which I also put in the letter. So far the police haven't been very helpful. I haven't been asked for a statement or anything.

 

I got fed up after a couple of weeks of inaction, so I contacted Shop Direct myself and they confirmed that a credit account was applied for online in September last year using my name, address and birthdate and some high value electrical goods were ordered and picked up from an outlet not too far from my old address. I informed the police of this and I am waiting to hear from them. We suspect the current occupant of our old house is involved, as we have had unpleasant experiences with them since we moved.

 

What can we do to get this resolved as quickly as possible? The mortgage lender said if we can get a letter from Arrow Global explaining that this default was applied in error then they are happy to proceed with the application however the unhelpful people I have spoken to at Arrow Global told me that they wouldn't ever write a letter like that

 

This has caused us lots of distress and placed strain on my marriage with my husband, and our two children. We are also paying a higher rate of interest in the mean time on a loan my husband has as the remortgage is to clear that off and get our finances in order. With a small baby things are tight as it is.

 

Any help much appreciated

[freakyleaky]

Have a look here while you are waiting for help http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/content.php?495-Data-Protection-Technical-Guidance-Filing-defaults-with-credit-reference-agencies

It may just give you all the info you need.

[Tiger1984]

Have a look here while you are waiting for help

It may just give you all the info you need.

 

Thanks freakyleaky. I've read this and I'm still confused

 

Anyone else have any helpful advice for me please?

[freakyleaky]

I'll flag this for the site team to take a look at.

[citizenB]

Hmm, well now for a start Arrow Global are wrong - it is for them to prove that you DID have an account.

 

I am wondering if anything was signed for at any point?

 

For sure you can prove that you didnt live at the address at the time and the fact that the items were collected from an outlet should start Shop Direct investigating.

 

I believe if Arrow Global have entered adverse entries on your Credit files, especially as you have proved IMHO, so far that you didnt enter into an agreement, then you can sue them !!

[rebel11]

Hi Tiger

 

I would send Shop Direct a SAR request. They have 40 days to respond, they should send you all the data they hold under your name and address. It will help you as well as the police find out whats happened.

 

It will cost £10. Template can be found in the library.

 

So was your old address left empty or did someone move in? Did you get your post forwarded?

Did you collect any post from your old address? Did you leave any documents there?

[BRIGADIER2JCS]

OR to the compliance manager and data controller#

Arrow Global.

 

Ref; XXXXXXXX

 

Dear Sir or Madam,

 

I refer to the debt for £xxxxx Which you allege is owed by me for an

account with Shopdirect, please note I do not acknowledge any debt

to you or any company you claim to represent.

 

You have placed a default entry on my credit reference files held by xxxxx

credit reference agency (s) I now formally state that I am NOT now nor ever

have been a customer of Shopdirect or any of the associated companies.

 

This account was applied for and approved xx months after I moved from the

address concerned and the application is therefore fraudulent.

 

I also refute the statement made that it is my responsibility to prove this account

was opened by me,. I am sure that you are fully aware the the onus of proof

of the alleged debt falls fully on Shopdirect and the assignee of the allged debt.

 

Therefore as there is no extant proof provided that the alleged debt is my liability

I require immediate removal of all adverse data from ALL credit reference agency

files within 7 days, also I require an immediate letter of admission from the the

original alleged creditor and Arrow Global that I have no liability for the alleged

debt.

 

As this fradulent debt is causing me financial embarrassment and difficulty in

obtaining credit I WIIL be seeking recompense for costs and compensation

from both companies.

 

Send RD copies to the Compliance managers of both companies.

[Tiger1984]

Thank you everyone. I'll let you know what happens!