What should I do if a credit reference agency has taken a credit report without a legitimate need?
According to the Credit Information Act, anyone requesting a credit report on an individual must have a legitimate need for the information. This means that the requester has entered into or be about to enter into a credit agreement with the person the credit report concerns, or otherwise have a reason to make a financial risk assessment. If this is not the case, the credit report should not be issued.
The credit reference agency issuing a credit report is responsible for ensuring that there is a legitimate need. If a credit report about you has been obtained without a legitimate need, you should contact the credit reference agency. They will then investigate what has happened and inform you of their position on the matter. You can also contact the enquirer yourself to find out why he or she has requested a credit report on you.