You can report an error to the Credit Reference Agency (CRA), but the organisation that supplied the account data often has to investigate and correct its own records. For the fastest evidence trail, complain to both and state precisely what must change.
| Problem | First contact | Also notify |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong account balance or payment marker | Lender or data supplier | Each affected Credit Reference Agency (CRA) |
| Incorrect electoral-register matching | Credit Reference Agency (CRA) | Local authority if its source record is wrong |
| Unrecognised account | Named provider’s fraud team | Credit Reference Agencies (CRAs) |
| Wrong County Court Judgment (CCJ) record | Relevant court or register process | Credit Reference Agencies (CRAs) |
| Incorrect default date | Creditor or debt purchaser | Each affected agency |
Why contact both?
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) says inaccuracies can be raised with the agency, but the problem may lie with the original lender or organisation supplying the information. The agency may ask the supplier to verify it; a direct complaint ensures the supplier also has a formal record.
What to include
- A copy of the relevant report entry
- Account and complaint references
- The exact field or date that is wrong
- Supporting statements, letters or court documents
- The correction requested
- A request for confirmation to all agencies
If they disagree
Ask for the evidence relied upon and a final response. A complaint about a regulated financial firm may be eligible for the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS); a data-protection concern can be raised with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Court records require the appropriate court route.
See the Information Commissioner’s Office credit guidance.
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General UK information only, not personal financial or legal advice. Rules and remedies differ across the UK. Free, confidential debt advice is available through MoneyHelper’s debt-advice locator, StepChange and National Debtline.