Default stopping me buying a house?

[kirstybum]

Hi guys, 

im wondering if anyone can help me with a problem. Nearly 6 years ago (6 years in January) I was 18, had no job and stupidly got a contract phone for a friend. As you can guess said friend never paid It and I defaulted the account. To be honest I'm not sure how I even passed affordability because I didn't have a penny to my name.  

But anyway nearly 6 years later I have a good job and I'm trying to buy a house. This default is hanging over me stopping me getting any credit at all. Just to add I did pay this off years ago it was only £212 and I have asked Vodafone to remove it in good faith. They refused. 

Has anyone had any luck in getting this removed I've served my punishment and I'm trying to move on with my life. I'm now in a position where my rented house is being sold and I'm needing to move out as soon as I can to be honest. 

If anyone can shed any light on this please feel free to comment, I'm desperate now. Thanks! 

I may may add that it took them months to find my account when asked yet they seem to have defaulted me without a problem!  

[BandOfBrothers]

I appreciate and understand how damaging a default and or marker can be @kirstybum

The default should currently be showing as Settled on your Credit File due to you paying it off. 

The Default however will show for the full 6 years. 

After 6 years has passed then check your Credit File via http://www.experian.co.uk to check it's dropped off. 

If it hasn't then please speak to experian for advice and either speak to Customer Services at Vodafone or post back here where the Social Media Team here will help. 

[AnnS]

Hi @kirstybum

You need to ask yourself if you owed the money.    If the answer is 'yes', it will be a genuine default and will remain in place until it reaches maturity and is removed from your account. Vodafone have an obligation towards your other creditors to report on your file as a forewarning towards your other creditors as to how you handle your affairs, unless the default was placed in error, it can't be removed.

The only thing you can really do now is to put this down to a bad experience and work towards rebuilding your credit rating. 

Fortunately, you have cleared the debt and this should be marked as settled on your file.  If you contact Experian or one of the other credit reference agencies, they are there to help and offer advise on improving your credit score.

I wish you good luck for the future.

[kirstybum]

I understand the rules I don't need clarification on that. I've done everything I can to improve my score,I earn more than most people and I still can't get a mortgage it is this one point holding it back. What I'm asking for is a gesture of good faith from the company with the worst customer service in the world to be honest. I've been backwards and forward for years even trying to get in touch with people regarding this and I just want to hear nothing more about it.

[jeffkinn]

I'm afraid that you are hitting your head against a brick wall. Vodafone will not remove the default notice because it was rightly issued in the first instance. It doesn't matter how worthy your cause is, or how silly you were a few years ago and have now made up for it, the notice will remain on your record for the full term.

[BandOfBrothers]

Take comfort that your nearly at the full term for the 6 years timeframe @kirstybum

I wish you all the best with owning your own home.  

[Gemma]

@kirstybum - I’m sorry to hear the situation you’re in.

One of the Credit Specialists in my team, can check if it shows as settled on your account.

So we can look into this, please send us your details by following the instructions in this private message.