Accessing credit reference agency files

[Andy008]

Am I right in thinking that somebody's credit file can only be accessed by themselves, or with their permission?

In other words a third party cannot run random enquiries into people'c credit history?

Thanks.

[Ethel]

Well they could if they had your credit card details and knew enough about you to pose as you online.

Otherwise, no

[factor-fiction]

You mentioned on a separate posting that you want to know whether you can avoid being traced. It depends who is trying to tace you. Is it an individual person (maybe another driver) or a company who is trying to trace you? Or is it an organisation such as the DWP, the HMRC, the CSA, Student Loan Company, the courts or the police- these people may have access to more records? Or is it the Mafia?
I gather from a previous posting that it's something to do with driving.
Can you give us more info to help us help you?

[simonruss]

normally you would have to give permission for someone other than you to gain access to your credit files, the best thing to do is to sign up to experian and for a small monthly fee (free for 30 days trial) they alert you everytime your credit file is accessed. The only way I know of to stay 'hidden' is to always use cash, use payg mobile phones, using a PO box as your address always helps too! Ask at your local sorting office about these.

[dasherman]

If you apply for a loan,credit card,mortgage,council tenancy,etc then those companies will access your credit file to see if you're credit worthy or not. By applying for those things you are effectively giving them permission to see your file.

But different companies may well do different things.When I top up my Orange PAYG mobile,that comes up on my credit file.But whether other mobile companies do the same I don't know.

Paying utility bills,buying from mail order catologues,even if you pay by cash at a post office and lots of normal everyday things you might not think can show up on your credit file!