Hi Jayson,

I understand that it is not for yourself (and the you and yours in my previous could be replaced by one and ones) :)

Unfortunately this is a little out of my depth as I'm not sure who the owner of the data is. Is it really the individual? Can you ask for it to be deleted? and would they have to comply if the provider of the data - e.g. the bank said that they needed this to remain? Have you tried the simple approach asking them to remove the data so that you can find out why they have it and who gave them permission? Do they need the individuals permission or proof of permission?

There have been some cases of individuals taking Experian to court over their credit record, but I don't recall the details. you could search this and other forums - MSE (Moneysavingexpert) and CAG (ConsumerActionGroup) as they might have more information.

My understanding is that the data that is held by for example Experian is supplied by the banks / lenders / companies about the credit agreements that an individual has, and that they regularily send updates, so I'm not sure how long having the file deleted would last? Would it just be re created.

In my opinion it is beneficial to have a credit record, as you never know what might come up. The best thing to do is to tackle the areas that are causing concern.

The company may legally have to keep the data on file or 6 years after.

There are some good legal minds on the forums (Stubie-one, basa48, conmankiller amongst others) who might be able to provide guidance and help.

Sparky

Hi thanks for the reply.

The credit report is not for myself but some family relations that have gotten into bad credit history through no fault of there own but through another family member.

While each company you deal with holds your information the credit reporting companies have there own list of your history I found this out when I applied for a free credit report on myself from equinox just to see how it works, it was in the evening and my history history came up with entries from different companies and applications I made, it came up so quick they could not have just contacted each one individually that late and got that information.

Its this list that I was wondering can it be requested that it be deleted as my family relations have not signed an agreement or contact with equinox or any of the other credit reporting companies to hold there data in perpetuity.

While going around to each company and having the data deleted will be hard having the central list deleted will be much easier as it is those lists that other people and companies check they do not go around to each companies and find out if they have private information about you.

Now I would like to point out that I am not trying to get this data for my family relations deleted for any purpose like getting credit or anything it's that they are retired and will not be getting credit or cards or anything that may use credit reporting again they just do not want to have that information there for anyone to look at, and yes despite what they say anyone can acquire your credit reporting history by simply stating that they have your permission the credit reporting companies do not verify this.

So all i need to know is will the credit reporting companies i.e. equinox and such will they abide by the law and delete the private data held if requested?

Thanks I will look into getting the data deleted held by the other companies at a later date.

-J

Hi Jayson,

There are better minds out there to help you but I thought I'd put forth my two pence worth...

If you have a credit account - which can be a current account, a mobile phone (monthly), and loans, credit cards etc, these remain on your credit record for 6 years after they have been settled.

From what I have read, these companies do not hold the information on our behalf, but on the companies that use this information, and don't particularily care about us as individuals.

These credit companies can only submit a request for information if you have given them prior consent. Once a company has your consent and you have a credit account with them, or they are representing your credit account provider they can record data about you.

I think that you would need to look at your credit record and see what is recorded. This may give an indication of who you would need to instruct that you are now removing your permission (if possible) to record data about you.

Sparky.

Hi there i was wondering if anyone had an answer to this question about credit reports.

From what i understand and please correct me if i am wrong, here in the uk there are three credit reporting companies.

Each hold there own data on your credit history.

They are private commercial companies that charge people and other companies to look at the data they hold on you and do so by acquiring permission through third parties i.e. when a person or company wants to retrieve or send personal data about yourself they ask for your permission.

They are not set up and run by any official organisation just regulated by them.

So did i get that right?

If so here is my question.

If you have finished with credit for example if you are retired and do not need to get a loan or a mortgage or anything that needs a credit report, can you get your private data held by these companies deleted under the data protect act.

Could you send a letter to each one stating that you are revoking any permission given directly or through third parties to acquire, hold and pass-on any personal data they have about yourself. And that under the data protection law you request that they delete any and all personal data they are holding about you. And you request a letter or email stating there compliance with the law and your request.

Would this work or do they have a loophole/Law that allows them to keep your data even after you revoke permission and ask that it be deleted?

Hope someone can help me

Thanks

J