Reply to: Debt collectors and court threats

[cojak]

I didn't want to shatter his illusion, Jubber, just wait until he wants HP for a new car.

Better hope he can afford to pay in cash...

[Jubber]

How well is a credit rating linked to one particular person?

Say for example I rent a different place each time I change contracts, do a runner and don't pay the last utility bills, month's rent etc. Are they only going to get me on record at that property, or are they clued up enough to link all my naughtiness together?

Somehow I think it's the former.

The institution like your current bank will inform on you. Every time you change address (if you tell them) your bank (or other institution that shares information) will inform the credit reference agencies that you have moved and then the credit reference agencies will link your naughtiness together via your old and new address.

[cojak]

Not sure but I think it may be true if a finance company does a credit check, i.e. a check with a view to a loan.

But if it is true generally then what's to stop some malicious person making repeated enquiries about a third party whose credit rating they wish to stitch up?

The cost to the finance company - it used to cost £50 a pop but I'm sure that's gone up since I was in the business...

[cojak]

I don't believe that's true.

If you keep applying for credit that would look bad, but no record is made of you looking at it. After all, it's your information.

Quite correct, Beefy.

A Search made by a company looking to extend you credit is quite different to you looking at your own records - indeed Experian have quite a nice little earner where you can subscribe and view your records at any time.

[OwlHoot]

I don't believe that's true.

If you keep applying for credit that would look bad, but no record is made of you looking at it. After all, it's your information.

Not sure but I think it may be true if a finance company does a credit check, i.e. a check with a view to a loan.

But if it is true generally then what's to stop some malicious person making repeated enquiries about a third party whose credit rating they wish to stitch up?

[Iron Condor]

Bailiffs get power to use force on debtors

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/new...Submitted=true

[bobhope]

Just pay it if you owe.

Surely, as a contractor you should be in the position as plaintiff, not defendant?

[PAH]

I don't believe that's true.

If you keep applying for credit that would look bad, but no record is made of you looking at it. After all, it's your information.

I'd put money on your horse too.

[Beefy198]

But don't do it too often as each look is recorded as a black mark.

I don't believe that's true.

If you keep applying for credit that would look bad, but no record is made of you looking at it. After all, it's your information.

[eliquant]

I got hassled for 15 quid from plus.net when I gave up my broadband, the service was pay as you go and I objected to paying an exit fee.

The debt collectors they passed the debt on to threatened me with court action at which point I called them and invited them to do so. Never heard a peep out of them again.

For all I know I am listed as a bad payer on equifax but you can state your reason for not paying with them and it is up to the next potential creditor to decide the risk involved.

If he has a valid reason for not paying it let each party know by recorded letter.

yeah a land lord that decided to set up a utility bill for account me and didn't
ever inform me of this got me into a similar pickle recently. I complained to the debt collection agency and the utility company and they seemed understanding and I paid off the amount that was due immediately. The funny thing was is that they were charging me for time I wasn't there also in my old property.

You can bet your bottom dollar that the utility company and the debt collection agency have black marked me using Equifax and the four other credit rating companies, I'm going to check my name in 1 months time as a one off and get it corrected if they've made a c*ck up and black listed me as a bad payer... I will contest it !

[PRC1964]

Have a look at your credit file at Equifax or Experian - it's quite an eye opening experience!

But don't do it too often as each look is recorded as a black mark.

[PAH]

Have a look at your credit file at Equifax or Experian - it's quite an eye opening experience!

I daren't. Currently blissfully unaware if I'm shafting myself by doing runners from rental properties at the end of each contract!

[DiscoStu]

How well is a credit rating linked to one particular person?

Say for example I rent a different place each time I change contracts, do a runner and don't pay the last utility bills, month's rent etc. Are they only going to get me on record at that property, or are they clued up enough to link all my naughtiness together?

Somehow I think it's the former.

Have a look at your credit file at Equifax or Experian - it's quite an eye opening experience!

[PAH]

They don't give a monkey's about your credit rating.

How well is a credit rating linked to one particular person?

Say for example I rent a different place each time I change contracts, do a runner and don't pay the last utility bills, month's rent etc. Are they only going to get me on record at that property, or are they clued up enough to link all my naughtiness together?

Somehow I think it's the former.

[PAH]

But mortgages are special? There it is 12 years?

Yeah, I'd imagine the bigger the debt the quicker they get off their arses to chase you for it, and don't just resort to the odd 'scary' letter.