Names and identifying details in this case study have been changed to protect our client’s privacy.

Mia’s job depends on a clean credit file. So a default from Origin Energy, for about $600, was a serious problem.

How it happened

Mia had moved and her bills never caught up with her. She knew something was owing and kept contacting Origin to find out how much. She was in regular contact the whole time.

Diagram of how this case was resolved: defaulted on payment day, retailer went silent, oaic complaint, removed in 44 days

On the day she finally paid, she called to tell them. They told her they were defaulting her anyway, and there was nothing she or they could do about it.

What we found

We asked the retailer for its records and explanation. It didn’t respond to our requests or our calls within the required time.

A customer who has moved, isn’t receiving bills, keeps asking what she owes and pays on the same day she’s told is not the sort of customer the default rules are aimed at. And a creditor that ignores requests for information isn’t helping its own case.

Why it came off

We lodged a complaint with the privacy regulator, the OAIC, and put a settlement offer to Origin. Origin agreed to remove the default, and Mia agreed to withdraw her OAIC complaint.

The result

The default came off 44 days after we started. The incorrect listing no longer holds Mia back.

What this means for you

If a creditor won’t answer reasonable questions about a listing, that silence can count against them. A complaint to the OAIC is one of the tools available. Our credit repair lawyers know when to use it.

This is a past matter. Names and identifying details have been changed to protect our client’s privacy.

Results depend on individual circumstances. Every credit file is different, and a past result doesn’t guarantee the outcome of your matter. This case study is general information, not legal advice.

Don’t spend another month stuck in Credit Prison. Call our credit repair lawyers on 1300 667 218 or book a 15-minute intro call at https://mycralawyers.com.au/15min-credit-repair-intro-call/ . If we think your chances are low, we’ll tell you straight.

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