Credit Reference Agencies

Credit Reference Agencies (CRAs) gather and record financial and publicly available information about almost every adult in the UK. Four out of five adults in the UK have some form of credit history, having taken out a personal loan, credit card or an alternate form of credit. This information is then supplied to lenders and other organisations to assist them in establishing an individual’s identity, credit history and current outstanding credit or debt, if the individual has broken the contractual terms of the credit agreement. Responsible lending and treating customers fairly are very much at the forefront of the mind of the financial services regulators as the consumer credit regime moves under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

The information also allows businesses to confirm the address provided by their applicant and to help to prevent fraud (see CIFAS below).

Electoral Roll, Personal Insolvency/Bankruptcy and County Court Judgment data is publically available and can be displayed to all clients of CRAs where requested.

It is important that you understand the information held about you and where you feel that the information is inaccurate that you challenge this with both the provider (e.g. the supplying lender) or the CRA that you feel is reporting the information inaccurately.

There are three primary consumer credit reference agencies in the UK:

Trans Union

• www.transunion.co.uk/consumer/consumer-credit

Equifax

• www.equifax.co.uk/Contact-us/Contact_Us_Personal_Solutions.html
• www.equifax.co.uk/Products/credit/statutory-report.html

Experian

• www.experian.co.uk/consumer/help

Credit Industry Fraud Avoidance Scheme (CIFAS)

This information appears on your credit file and can be very important in protecting yourself against identity theft or mis-use of your personal data.

• www.cifas.org.uk

Registry Trust Limited (RTL)

The public register of County Court Judgments (CCJs) in England & Wales.

• www.registry-trust.org.uk

Vulnerability Registration Service

The Vulnerability Registration Service (VRS) is a not-for-profit organisation providing a central, independent register of vulnerable people, helping companies to identify vulnerability and keep people safe.

• www.vulnerabilityregistrationservice.co.uk

Gamcare

We give confidential information, advice and support, free of charge, for anyone affected by gambling harms in England, Scotland and Wales.

• www.gamcare.org.uk

Stop Loan Sharks

Stop Loan Sharks investigates and prosecutes illegal money lenders and provides support for borrowers in the UK.

If you have borrowed from a loan shark or are worried about someone else, we’re here to help and keep you safe.

Our specially trained staff will provide you with emotional and practical support that is tailored to your needs.

• www.stoploansharks.co.uk