I thought it was something like that!!

Whatever the particular legislation, I'm certain that a signed application in respect of each and every application for a product is required. Speculative applications can be made but ought not to leave a footprint.

Cat

If memory serves me correctly, they have, actually, broken the law, but I am not 100 percent certain of that without investigating further.

I believe the data protection act covers this, if memory serves me you can get the data altered, changed or removed to what it should be or the garage are liable for a breach.

You can read more about the DPA here: http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?r.l1=1073861197&topicId=1074412952&r.l2=1074448560&r.s=tl

If you click the "Individuals' rights under the Data Protection Act" link in the main body you should find what you are looking for.

Well that's not good practice, now, is it?

It's been a few years since I did a credit check, but, as I recall, there is a manner of so doing which does not leave a footprint and which ought, properly, to be used in a situation where a hunt is on for the best deal, and similar circumstances.

Your garage should sort this out for you, I would say. Go to them and discuss it and point out that, for each credit search, they are required to obtain from you a completed and signed application, authorising them to do a credit check. If they do not have that from you - and I am assuming that, given your shock, they cannnot have, then they have not conducted themselves correctly and should liases with Experian, et al, to resolve the matter on your behalf. If memory serves me correctly, they have, actually, broken the law, but I am not 100 percent certain of that without investigating further.

I wouldn't say 'never apply for anything' - but, certainly, exercise caution. There are better places to get car finace from - I once had a very interesting case to sort out on behalf of my BIL, where he thought he was guaranteeing a friend's car purchase payments, but, in fact, had applied to buy the car himself. He is severely dyslexic and was very badly taken advantage of.

Let me know how you get on.

Cat

I filled out the online form at Experian, as i was wondering what imformation they have about me,
I'm getting a new car next week but when i downloaded the imformation on my file from the site, i was shocked to find all the foot prints the garage has left on mt credit report. He has searched for the best loan for my car, and he's done alot of searches, it's showing up pages long, this does not look good on the credit check. Best thing to do is not apply for anything,
If you apply for a bank account it will show up, Can this be right, is anything ever private?