VF Still Reporting My Closed Account To Credit Agency

[b86]

I canceled my vodafone account after many years, a few months ago - due to poor customr service. However, recently I was applying for a mortgage, but was declined because of too many open 'accounts'. I didn't know what they were refering to.

So, I ended up buying a subscription to a credit checking service, and noticed that Vodafone are still reporting that I have an account open with them, but paying £0 a month. This is as good as having an unused credit card/store card on your account - because lenders will see the 0 and expect that it could rise to anything.

I rang up to explain this, and turns out they owed me £45 (or there abouts) - so Vodafone, was going to carry on keeping my account open, instead of just refunding me when my account was *closed* initally. Instead, my accounts been kept open, waiting for me the customer to ring asking for my refund and to close my account - even though I was unaware of this money owed to me, as Vodafone have made no contact to get in touch with me (my address and phone numbers are the same).

So, the girl on the phone has now issued the refund and *closed* my account, and told me they'll write to the credit agencies to fix the problem and should take around 30-45 days. I kind of explained that this has been a problem with Vodafone, unwillingly keeping me in a contract (what it looks like on my credit file), without my agreement, and as a result means my credit file will not be updated in 30-40 days, and therefore cannot apply for the mortgage up until that point. Not to mention, it now looking bad that lenders will see I am applying for what looks like lots of credit (due to re-applying). Unfortunatly, the girl on the phone didn't understand the issue....

The same thing has happend with Sainsbury's who actually went above and beyond in fixing the problem, and even went as far as compensating me as we've potentially miss out on a property we like, and to some degree tarnished my credit file.

I probably wouldn't of been as bothered as much as accidents do happen, it was when she was casually talking like it was just a simple refund and my credit score didn't matter....

[mcfc2018]

I am also having the same problem as everyone else. Opted for Broadband, but you couldn't provide it so I cancelled and went elsewhere. 3 things...

1.  Instead of sending everyone Private Messages, why don't you make a sticky thread for all to see so we can get speed the process up. Now I have to wait for you to be 'shocked, that this has happened to me', then send me a message telling me that you have sent me a PM!
2. Why doesn't somebody from Vodafone just do the decent thing and remove them from everyone's credit file, if it showing a similar pattern, £0, for many months and no payments?
3. Why is this happening in the first place, what benefit is it to Vodafone to keep all these phantom listings on peoples credit reports?

[TJ]

I'm sorry to hear you feel this way @mcfc2018 and apologise for any inconvenience that's been caused.

In order for our credit file specialist to investigate further, we need to access your account and for us to do this securely; you'll need to provide your details via the form included in the private message we send out.

I've popped you the private message over with details on how to get in touch; we'll pick this up as quickly as possible and help to get everything resolved for you once and for all. 

[steffangl]

Hi, could you also send me a message to get this resolved? 

I closed my account about 9 months ago but it is still showing as open on my credit file.

Thank you

[TJ]

Not a problem @steffangl.

I've popped you a private message over with details on how to get in touch. The credit file specialist in our team will be more than happy to investigate further for you also.

[ed0z16k]

Hi All

I am having the same issue as the most people above, I closed my account with a 0 balance with Vodafone over 2 years ago, and the account is still showing as active (£0 balance) on my credit reports (checked with 3 different agencies and all showing the same), 

Tried contacting VF via webchat, phone, letter and e-mail. Letters and e-mails ignored and webchat and phone support are unable to help, they just provide me numbers to equifax who cannot help either as its nothing to do with them,

Would anyone here who got to the bottom of this be able to help as I need this settling on my credit report ?

Many thanks

[Gemma]

@ed0z16k - I’m sorry you’ve had to contact us in so many ways, to get this updated.

One of the credit specialists in my team, can take a look at getting it corrected.

Please send us your details by following the instructions in the private message.

[ed0z16k]

Ok thanks - I have filled this out and sent it over. How is this different than the standard web form I have previously filled out ? 

When can I expect a response ?

Many thanks

[Alex]

@ed0z16k Once you've completed the form you should receive an automated email which contains a unique reference number. 

This will look like [#12233445] and if you let us know yours, we'd be more than happy to chase this up for you! 

[ed0z16k]

Hi Alex

My query has now been responded to and resolved.

Many thanks 

[Tash]

That's great to hear @ed0z16k  

If we can help with anything else in the future, please pop back on the Community and we'll be happy to assist!