If you have received an alert you should first check if the alert received is in relation to a credit application that you may have recently submitted or if it relates to an existing facility in your name. If it isn’t, it could be that someone else is trying to apply for credit using your identity details. In this case you should inform the credit provider immediately.
For other alerts you may wish to get an updated copy of your credit report to check the details.
Equifax has some simple steps to help you keep your credit report healthy:
- Pay your loans and bills on time - Consider setting up direct debits and schedule loan repayments for your pay day.
- Keep track of your credit commitments - Do your homework before applying for credit and keep track of your credit commitments. Making a number of applications within a short space of time will be recorded on your file and is not always looked upon positively by lenders, as it may be an indicator that you're in credit stress.
- If you move house, notify lenders - advise lenders, phone and utility providers of your new address so they can re-direct bills to your new address. If you don't pay these bills, a credit infringement or overdue debt could be listed on your credit report.
- If you are having trouble meeting repayments - talk to your credit provider who may assist.
- Keep track of your credit record - proactively manage your personal credit report by regularly checking your Equifax credit report and Equifax Score. You can even monitor changes through credit alerts. Please note your Equifax Score is available via our other Equifax personal credit and identity monitoring services. Find out more here. You can get also get your free Equifax credit report.
What to do if you have been declined credit
January 2016If you have been declined credit it can be a frustrating experience. Here are three simple steps you can take to find out why and to make improvements to apply in the future.
What goes into a personal credit report?
February 2016Do you know what your credit report contains? Here we outline what is included in a personal credit report.
Understanding the new credit reporting system
March 2014Comprehensive credit reporting changes mean consumer credit reports can now include ‘positive’ credit information such as if you make your credit card and loan repayments on time. Previously personal credit files could only hold ‘negative’ information like credit enquiries (applications) and defaults.
What is a credit bureau?
July 2015If you are thinking about applying for credit it's important to understand what is on your credit report. It is what lenders can look at as part of the credit assessment process.