Linked Addresses on Experian

[asf1]

I recently asked Experian to remove linked addresses on my file that are over 6 years old. They refused stating that address information remains on file indefinately if they believe a financial link with the address exists. The Information Commissioners Office clearly states linked addresses should only be retained for 6 years. I quoted this ref to Experian, and still they refuse to budge. Any advice welcome.

 

Quote from Experian:

Linked addresses are created when companies move a credit account from one address to another, or when they search more than one address when processing a credit application or from information you have given to us. You may not necessarily have lived at a linked address for it to be shown on your report but you should have had some financial connection with it.

 

As long as you have an association to the addresses listed the address links will remain indefinitely.

 

Information Commissioners Office:

http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/data_protection/practical_application/credit_explained_leaflet_2005.pdf

[ICY]

Looking at my report i have linked addresses going back to May 2000.

 

Think it may be time to start sending letters

[pugsley]

I have linked addresses I want to remove from an OUSBA account for 18pounds settled default, this account is no longer on my credit file as six years have passed but the linked addresses supplied still remain.

 

anyone got a template letter to get these removed please

 

from info comm

Linked addresses

A linked address may be created when an account moves between addresses, such as

when you move house, or when a lender checks your records at your previous address, or

if you tell a credit reference agency about a previous or forwarding address.

A linked address may stay on your credit file for 6 years after the link has been created.

[mcuth]

I recently asked Experian to remove linked addresses on my file that are over 6 years old. They refused stating that address information remains on file indefinately if they believe a financial link with the address exists. The Information Commissioners Office clearly states linked addresses should only be retained for 6 years. I quoted this ref to Experian, and still they refuse to budge. Any advice welcome.

 

Quote from Experian:

Linked addresses are created when companies move a credit account from one address to another, or when they search more than one address when processing a credit application or from information you have given to us. You may not necessarily have lived at a linked address for it to be shown on your report but you should have had some financial connection with it.

 

As long as you have an association to the addresses listed the address links will remain indefinitely.

 

Information Commissioners Office:

http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/data_protection/practical_application/credit_explained_leaflet_2005.pdf

 

Sorry to re-open an old thread, but I'm going through this same argument with Experian right now - whilst they've removed linked addresses over 8 years old, they reckon they're entitled to "retain this information for up to eight years. This is to ensure that any relevant financial information at your previous addresses is made available to lenders".

 

I know the ICO leaflet used to say "up to 6 years" (and I'm sure I have a version of the PDF stating that), but on visitng the link above I see that the ICO changed the PDF in August 2008 to state "A linked address may stay on your credit file as long as this information is relevant for credit

referencing purposes."

 

Now, why do the CRAs need to keep this info for >6 years when nothing else is retained that long?

 

Cheers

Michael

[mcuth]

I asked Experian to justify why they hold linked address information for 8 years when all other credit account information expires from their records at 6 years - this is their reply...

 

Our Ref: XXX/XXXXXXXXX/XX

Dear mcuth

 

Thank you for your email, which we received on 07 January 2009.

 

I can confirm that Experian's regulators, The Information Commissioner, are aware that we hold linked address information for eight years and review deleting any linked addresses between six to eight years old on a case by case basis.

 

For clarification you may wish to contact The Information Commissioner at the following address:

 

The Information Commissioner: Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AF

 

An entry may be retained on your report for more than six years if information has been recorded in your name at the address, or it provides a link to another address where financial information appears in your name.

 

 

So, basically no further clarification is forthcoming from them..... looks like an enquiry to the ICO is in order.

 

 

 

Cheers

Michael

[CityLad77]

Bump...

 

Did you get a formal response from the ICO on this?

[mcuth]

Bump...

 

Did you get a formal response from the ICO on this?

 

To be honest, I completely forgot to follow it up, sorry.

 

Cheers

Michael

[CityLad77]

To be honest, I completely forgot to follow it up, sorry.

 

Cheers

Michael

Am going to test it myself!

[123123123123]

i have the same issue with experian keep updated please

[BreadAndButter]

What is the actual law on this? Who can we complain to and what can we quote in our letters?

 

I have the same problem... trying to clean up my credit file too

[JuryMan77]

subbing

[cerberusalert]

What is the actual law on this? Who can we complain to and what can we quote in our letters?

 

I have the same problem... trying to clean up my credit file too

 

https://www.ico.gov.uk/Global/contact_us.aspx

[kmh29]

ICO Guide - publication date Feb 2009:

Linked addresses

A linked address may be created when an account moves between addresses, such as when

you move house, or when a lender checks your records at your previous address, or if you tell

a credit reference agency about a previous or forwarding address.

A linked address may stay on your credit file as long as this information is relevant for credit

referencing purposes.

 

I'd be interested to hear if anyone gets anywhere with this as my linked addresses go back 10 years. I'll contact Experian myself and post any progress.