Changing my name was only way to escape debt hell

[Michael Browne]

Gareth Pierce-Jones changed his name and has resorted to court action after he was linked to a serial debt defaulter with the same first name, surname and identical date of birth.

 

His case highlights the intractable difficulties people face trying to rectify errors on their credit files, which are checked by lenders every time a customer applies for credit cards, mortgages or mobile phone contracts.

 

Mr Pierce-Jones, 35, has been repeatedly hounded for another person’s debts since 2010.

 

He changed his surname from Jones to Pierce-Jones in August 2012 to try to solve the problem, but the other individual’s debts remained recorded on his credit file.

 

The debts were listed automatically on his credit file, and Mr Pierce-Jones had to contact the agencies and the debt collectors each time to request that they were taken down.

 

Mr Pierce-Jones has been turned down repeatedly for credit cards as a result of these issues.

 

“It has completely crushed my credit score,” he said. “I am due to renew my mortgage this summer and I want to make sure this is completely cleared up.”

 

One particular debt collection agency, Motormile, began sending letters in 2012 claiming that Mr Pierce-Jones had defaulted on more than £1,000 of payday loans. Despite acknowledging Mr Pierce-Jones was a victim of mistaken identity, the letters continued to be sent to his home in Bracknell, Berkshire.

 

He is now taking Motormile to a small claims court for compensation.

 

 

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/borrowing/10787200/Changing-my-name-was-only-way-to-escape-debt-hell.html

[renegadeimp]

Why am i not surprised it was MMF. Rob sands and MMF's owners have a LOT of explaining to do.