Hard credit searches for non-credit accounts (Virgin Media)

[naglfar782]

I've signed up to Virgin Media at my new address.

 

I've gone for Broadband only, no phone line, no TV, so no possibility of calls or pay per view.

My bills will of course be for services in advance.

 

So, I'm struggling to see how there can be any aspect of "Credit" here.

 

Yet, they've hard searched me.

In fact, according to Clearscore, they have performed two hard searches,

one at my new address and one at my old address

(I'd think this would count as one, yet apparently Equifax/Clearscore count it as two searches).

 

Is this normal? Can I argue the point with VM as there is no credit facility?

[dx100uk]

there is credit for sevices used and equipment

 

 

these searches can only be seen by you and them anyway

though say like with insurance

if you get too many it will impact your score for a short period.

dx

[naglfar782]

There is no credit for services when I pay them all in advance, and don't have a phone line (so can't make calls) and don't have TV (so can't order PPV).

 

They have done a hard search, e.g. a credit application, so it is visible to other lenders.

 

There is the argument that they are lending me the equipment and want it back at the end, but that is not credit.

 

I would argue that they should have done a soft search (not visible to other lenders) as I was not actually applying for credit.

 

Still, I haven't had much time to fight them over this as I've just moved house, so I've just had the complaint logged as feedback and closed it.