The three credit reference agencies in the UK are Experian, Equifax and Callcredit. They use a range of data, from the electoral roll to credit card payments. Everyone has the statutory right to see their report, usually for a £2 fee. A typical credit history lists credit accounts, the date they were opened, the credit limit or loan amount, and whether the individual has missed any payments. It will also include personal details such as name, current and previous addresses and date of birth. All three major UK agencies have contracts with both central and local government to help tackle benefit fraud - such as benefits claimed on the grounds of living alone. A local authority could run checks on those receiving the single person discount for council tax, and credit agencies would flag up when other people were also linked with that address - perhaps through bank accounts, mobile phone bills or simply the electoral roll. Further investigations could then be made. All the agencies stress that they are are bound by data protection legislation and that this is very strictly adhered to.
Posted on: Sun, 23 Jun 2013 09:12:18 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015