MyCRA Specialist Credit Repair Lawyers

Tag: tasmanian collection service

  • Till debt do us part: Navigating joint finances

    Some people are great with money – but can still experience financial downfalls and sprial into debt and a bad credit rating due to the shortcomings of their partners.

    Often people are unaware their partner is generating defaults on their credit rating until it is too late. They apply for credit in their own right and are unable to proceed due to debts and bad credit their partner has initiated while they are together.

    Often we hear from clients “I’m not sure how this happened – how can I be responsible for something my partner did?” Unfortunately when couples go into joint debt, both credit files are at risk if repayments aren’t made.

    So how do people protect themselves, their assets and their good credit rating, BEFORE they marry or move in together?

    Recently savingsguide.com.au looked into this issue in their post ‘The Debt Affair: When your partner is hiding debt’.

    They talk about establishing financial boundaries when people are new in a relationship. The article talks about the signs to watch out for when people suspect their partner is hiding debt.

    Some of those include:

    -Assume that the truth may be stretched when it comes to money
    -Often money problems can be a result of another issue: stress, addiction, self-esteem.
    -Discussing money is taboo
    -Do their spending patterns show they spend more than they have?
    -Ask for full disclosure

    People should remember that relationships in their new stage are some of the most exciting times in our lives. But when it comes to taking the next step and moving in together, everyone should ask about their partner’s financial past.

    Otherwise they may be forced to suffer with a bad credit rating due to mistakes made by partners – past or present.

    Bad credit is such a phenomenal problem in this day and age, with lots of people living beyond their means and creditors eager to issue defaults.

    Many people come unstuck by not asking the tough financial questions about their prospective partners early in the relationship.

    People should sit down together before any ties are made and discussing what financial position the other is in. Ask whether they have any debt; talk about paying bills; get a general feel for how this person regards money and finances. If they appear too blasé about money, this should ring alarm bells. It may not mean the relationship needs to end, but it should mean you keep finances separate for a significant period of time. You could also suggest getting a copy of your credit files to see if there are any blemishes.

    A credit file is compiled on any person who has ever been ‘credit active’. It lists personal details like name and address, but also any times the person has applied for credit, any defaults (overdue accounts), court judgements, writs and bankruptcies.
    Prospective partners can request a copy of their credit file for free from the major credit reporting agencies – Veda Advantage, Dun & Bradstreet or Tasmanian Collection Services (if you are Tasmanian) and Experian. This will be provided within 10 working days.

    Any black marks on a person’s credit file remains on their file for 5 years and can greatly hinder a person’s chances of receiving further credit.
    A bad credit rating sticks. Most clients find they are black listed from credit for a five year period following a default on their record. Even having too many credit enquiries or a default from a simple unpaid phone bill can be enough to be refused a home loan with most lenders in the current economic climate.

    My CRA Credit Repairs has some tips for people entering into a new ‘financial’ relationship:

    •When you enter into any financial agreement with another person – don’t bury your head in the sand when it comes to the repayments. Regularly check your statements and bills so you can catch problems early.
    •Be aware that as high as emotions can run, they can also get just as low. Your financial generosity now could become the very thing that is used against you if the relationship sours. Consider carefully how secure you would be in each transaction if things did take a turn for the worse.
    •Consider keeping some things separate. Just because you have bought a home together doesn’t mean you can’t keep other bank accounts, credit card and previous homes in your name only.
    •Get a copy of your credit file regularly. This will notify you of any problems before you apply for credit in the future.

    Contact MyCRA Credit Repairs on 1300 667 218 for help with credit repair.
    Image: photostock/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net

  • Fears about data breaches are justified

    Media Release
    22 September 2011

    Australians have every right to be concerned about data breaches and loss of personal details, as personal information has become a valuable commodity used to commit identity fraud and potentially ruin the victim’s financial future, a national credit repairer says.

    Director of MyCRA Credit Repairs, Graham Doessel says a recent survey revealing concerns about data breaches shows we are all worried about where our personal information could be put at risk, and this is not without reason.

    “More and more of my clients have been through the ringer attempting to have black marks removed from their credit file due to identity theft, simply because our education, our legislation and our technology is unable to keep up with fraudsters. People want to know their details are going to be safe when they shop, when they use the internet and with the companies that have their details in their computer systems,” Mr Doessel says.

    This comes as a global survey reveals widespread concern over the security of personal information. A survey conducted online by Harris for US-based identity management specialist SailPoint, showed the majority of adults in the United States, Great Britain and Australia are worried about possible exposure of their personal information, and a large percentage of adults have lost confidence in how companies protect their personal information.

    “The widespread impact of data breaches like Epsilon and Sony PlayStation, where millions of consumers were impacted around the world, is making customers more cautious about conducting business with certain financial institutions and retailers,” said Jackie Gilbert, vice president of marketing and co-founder at SailPoint.

    Mr Doessel says personal information is like gold to identity thieves.

    “Basically, a lot of identity fraud is committed by piecing together enough personal information from different sources in order for criminals to take out credit in the victim’s name. Often victims don’t know about it right away – and that’s where their credit file can be compromised,” he says.

    He says once the victim’s credit rating is damaged due to defaults from this ‘stolen’ credit, they are facing some difficult times repairing their credit rating in order to get their life back on track.

    “These victims often can’t even get a mobile phone in their name. It need not be large-scale fraud to be a massive blow to their financial future – defaults for as little as $100 will stop someone from getting a home loan,” he says.

    Once an unpaid account goes to default stage, the account may be listed by the creditor as a default on a person’s credit file. Under current legislation, defaults remain on the credit file for a 5 year period.

    “What is not widely known is how difficult credit repair following can be – even if the individual has been the victim of identity theft, there is no guarantee the defaults can be removed from their credit file. The onus is on them to prove their case and provide copious amounts of documentary evidence” he says.

    Mr Doessel says the best defence an individual can take against identity theft is to get educated on how their personal information can be put at risk.

    “Sites like the Government’s SCAMwatch website, and the Stay smart online website, can give people good practical tips for keeping their information secure,” he says.

    But he also says in the case of data breaches, it comes down to a need to know basis.

    “At best we can minimise the amount of people who hold our personal information. People should always question the need for it to be handed over. If it is not essential, don’t do it.”

    “Unfortunately it seems everywhere we turn some company has been hacked – and it seems every entity with a computer is vulnerable. It is still extremely scary the level of risk our personal information undergoes these days when it is stored online,” he says.

    He says it is important for people to keep up to date with what is on their credit file, to be alerted to any entries which point to a theft of identity.

    Under current legislation a credit file report can be obtained for free every 12 months from the major credit reporting agencies Veda Advantage, Dun and Bradstreet , Tasmanian Collection Service and Experian and is sent to the owner of the credit file within 10 working days.

    For those who are vulnerable to identity theft, they can pay extra with credit reporting agency, Veda Advantage to have their file on an ‘alert’ system, which tracks any changes to their credit file that may occur within a 12 month period.

    Mr Doessel says people who suspect identity theft should report the matter immediately to Police, no matter how insignificant they think the fraud is.

    “This crime is not very widely reported. But it is only through people reporting identity theft that any real statistics get collated on this issue. Likewise, if people want to try and repair their credit rating, the first thing I tell them is to make sure they have a Police report,” he says.

    /ENDS

    Please contact:   Lisa Brewster – Media Relations   Mob: 0450 554 007 media@mycra.com.au
    Graham Doessel  – Director  Ph 07 3124 7133

    www.mycra.com.au www.mycra.com.au/blog

    246 Stafford Rd, STAFFORD Qld

    MyCRA Credit Repairs is Australia’s leader in credit rating repairs. We permanently remove defaults from credit files.

    Link: SailPoint Survey

    Image: renjith krishnan/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net

  • Australia part of ‘Quintet’ of nations meeting to discuss cyber-crime

    Identity theft is proving to be the new wave of crime, and the worst part of it is – it hits twice, once when the initial fraud takes place, and secondly when the victim’s credit rating – their good name, is tarnished, leaving them unable to take out credit for up to 5 years.

    Cyber-crime is now such a serious global threat – to individuals, businesses and governments that nations will continue to join together in its fight.

    Discussions on cyber-crime are being held in Sydney later this week with Attorneys-General from Australia, the U.S. and their counterparts in the U.K., Canada and New Zealand attending.

    The ‘Quintet’ as it is termed, will meet 14-15 July, and will focus on joint and cooperative actions that can be taken to address the growth of international cyber threats. This is the first time the U.S. Attorney General has been to Australia in several decades.

    Australian Attorney-General, Robert McLelland says fighting cyber-crime is a global task.

    “It is a complex policy and law enforcement challenge because of its transnational nature and use of rapidly evolving technology.

    “The global nature of cyber crime is such that no nation alone can effectively combat the problem, making international cooperation and engagement essential components of an effective response.”

    “That’s why renewed international vigilance is such a priority for all five countries,” he says.

    This meeting also follows the recent introduction into Australian parliament of the Cyber-crime Legislation Amendment Bill 2011. Swift changes to Australia’s laws were made late last month, in order to bring them in to line with the other 40 countries which have joined the European Convention on Cybercrime.

    Increased episodes of cyber-attacks and cyber espionage have sparked these changes, and have prompted many countries to increase their vigilance in what has now been termed a ‘war’ against cyber-crime.

    “In the last six months alone, Australia’s Computer Emergency Response Team has alerted Australian business to more than a quarter of a million pieces of stolen information such as passwords and account details, allowing them to rectify and protect against potential attacks,” Mr McLelland said when announcing the new legislation in June.

    Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the country, according to the Australian Crime Commission. In addition, an identity theft survey released by the Government last week showed that 1 in 6 people have been a victim, or know somebody who has been a victim of identity theft or misuse in the past six months. The majority of identity theft or misuse
    occurred over the Internet (58 per cent), or through the loss of a credit or debit card (30 per cent).  Stolen identify information was primarily used to purchase goods or services (55 per cent) or to obtain finance, credit or a loan (26 per cent).

    Those are frightening statistics for ordinary individuals who are trying to navigate the cyber-world. To know governments are running up hill trying to catch these crooks and prevent cyber-attacks in their own offices – leaves little hope for those who may not be so computer savvy in trying to protect themselves against identity theft.

    The problem with identity theft is, often it goes undetected until people go to apply for credit and are flatly refused due to blemishes on their credit file they did not initiate. Unfortunately when a creditor places a default on a person’s credit file, it remains there for 5 years, greatly hindering someone’s chances of obtaining further credit. Some are even unable to take out a mobile phone plan.

    Keeping identity theft at bay online

    Education and action are the winning combinations in preventing cyber-crime at home and its corresponding evils – identity theft, identity fraud and credit file destruction.

    Here are some quick tips to help people protect themselves and their credit rating:

    1. Keep virus software up to date. Install automatic updates and perform
    regular virus scans.

    2. Keep privacy settings secure on all social networking sites.

    3. Change passwords regularly and use a variety of passwords for different purposes.

    4. Check all credit card and bank statements each time they come in.

    5. Do not give over personal information or credit card details online unless the site is secure, and company details can be verified.

    6. Be aware of who gets our personal information and for what purposes. What can these people do with the information they are gathering? For instance, is it really necessary for the site we are registering on to have our date of birth?

    7. Visit the government’s stay smart online website, and sign up for alerts.

    8. Check our credit file for free every 12 months. By requesting a copy of our
    credit file from one or more of the major credit reporting agencies,Veda Advantage, Dun & Bradstreet and Tasmanian Collection Service (TASCOL) we can be aware of any discrepancies which may need to be investigated. Often it is only through a credit check which comes back with defaults on our credit file do we realise we have been victims of identity theft.

    9. Report any incident of identity theft, no matter how small, or even if we have been reimbursed for the damage – to the Police. The more of us who report identity theft, the more effective will be our Government and Police response to it in the future.

    For people who are already identity theft victims, it can be difficult to navigate the current credit reporting system to have the offending defaults removed from their credit file.

    MyCRA Credit Repairs can completely remove defaults from credit files that have errors, are unjust or just shouldn’t be there.

    Visit MyCRA for more help with credit rating repair following identity theft.

    Image: jscreationz / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

  • Privacy Commissioner releases findings on Telstra mailout error

    Whenever the public are in danger of having their credit file tarnished due to data breaches which can result in identity theft, it is important to warn them.

    Recent news from the OAIC (Office of the Australian Information Commissioner on a botched Telstra mailout has come forth.

    The OAIC today released the findings of its investigation into the Telstra
    mailing error     which resulted in around 60,000 Telstra customers’ personal information being sent to other customers.

    Australian Privacy Commissioner, Timothy Pilgrim opened an investigation after Telstra notified him of the incident in October 2010.

    Mr Pilgrim found that while Telstra did breach the Privacy Act in terms of disclosing personal information of its customers to a third party, it was not due to any failings of the security of its system, but simple human error.

    The investigation revealed that Telstra had a range of security measures in place to protect customer personal information involved in mail campaigns. These measures include privacy obligations in agreements with mailing houses, privacy impact assessments at the outset of mail out initiatives, and procedures to ensure staff handle personal information appropriately during mail campaigns.

    “In this instance, taking into account the range of measures Telstra has in place for mail campaigns, I consider that the one-off human error that occurred does not mean that Telstra failed to comply with its obligation to take reasonable steps to protect the personal information of its customers. Therefore, I consider that Telstra has not breached this particular aspect of the Privacy Act,” the Privacy Commissioner said.

    The Commissioner also noted Telstra’s fast notification of the data breach.

    Mr Pilgrim did say, however, that if an individual complaint came to them following this matter, the complaint would be considered on its own merits.

    “Incidents such as this one highlight how important it is for all organisations to take steps to protect their customers’ privacy. If such an incident does occur, it is best practice to notify the OAIC as soon as possible and take action immediately to prevent further breaches,” he said.

    This incident brings to light a section of Australian privacy law that needs to improve. Luckily, in this incident, Telstra did the right thing and notified its customers and the Privacy Commissioner of the data breach immediately.

    But when the Sony PlayStation data breach occurred in May, Sony did not notify its customers of the data breach immediately, they took about a week. In that time its customers were vulnerable to identity theft, and there was nothing our Government could do as recourse. Our data breach notification laws currently do not require companies to notify its customers immediately following a data breach.

    The Australian Law Reform Commission has made a recommendation for amendments of this law to occur, and the Government is currently considering it.

    The dangers of data breaches

    If the wrong person gets hold of someone’s personal details, they can potentially build a profile of identity documentation that can give them the opportunity to commit fraud.

    Fraudsters who have access to small pieces of specific information on someone can then build on that profile, eventually requesting ‘replacement’ copies of drivers licences and can then access bank accounts, get credit cards, apply for loans, phone accounts, and in some cases, buy property in someone else’s name. There are some identity theft cases where fraudsters have even mortgaged or sold the family home of their identity theft victims.

    Once someone’s identity has been stolen, their credit file is generally tarnished. This credit file blemish will unfortunately haunt the victim for 5 years while the listing/s remain on their credit file. Credit file blemishes generally deny someone access to most credit for the term of the default.

    It is important for everyone to know they can order a free copy of their credit file report every year from one or more of the credit reporting agencies in Australia, Veda Advantage, Dun and Bradstreet and Tasmanian Collection Services.

    Contact MyCRA Credit Repairs for help with repairing credit files following identity theft.

    Image: Luigi Diamanti/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net

  • What We Can Do to Prevent Identity Theft

    So far this year we have posted about many issues that have arisen concerning the security of our personal information in this age of technology, and the possible dangers identity theft poses for our credit file.

    It is no secret that it is essential to take steps to keep our personal information safe. Why? Because regardless of whether our card/s will be reimbursed should we become victims of fraud, there is still the very real ramification of having our credit file tarnished by any identity fraud – and the inability to obtain credit for up to 5 years can be a huge financial loss.

    Events which have transpired recently have made us all feel quite nervous about who has the potential to use our personal details for purposes of stealing our identity.

    Issues such as the Sony PlayStation data breach, the attacks on Google’s U.S. Gmail account holders and the announcement of almost daily attempts at cyber-attack on Australia’s Foregin Affairs Department (just to name a few) have made us realise that identity fraud is indeed a reality for people in this country.

    A positive to come from these issues is that our Government has decided to step in to give advice via a white paper as to how businesses, government and individuals can make some changes to the internet in the interests of the security of its users.

    What do we do in the meantime? What steps can we take NOW to reduce our chances of becoming victims?

    Recently we read some really great articles from ‘Savings Guide.com.au’ on some practical ways we can all stay safe.

    In their article – “Shopping Online, How to Do it Safely” by Francesca Sidoti, she provides some great tips. We like this one:

    “Choose Your Location. Instinct is a funny thing. You have no hard reasons for why something feels off, it just does. And in this scenario, you should let it be your guide. Just as you wouldn’t hand over money to someone who looks dodgy, you should[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][n’t] enter your details in a site that doesn’t feel right. If something seems amiss, do some research. Google the site, or call the contact number. Be wary as well of clicking on ads. Though they’re usually hosted by legitimate companies, it’s worthwhile keeping a critical eye on everything you are entering personal information into.”

    Francesca also published an article “How to Avoid Credit Card Fraud and Identity Theft,” which provides help with how to use your credit card safely. The two tips below are excellent to remember:

    “Don’t’ give your credit card details out over the phone or email. Unless you’ve initiated the conversation. No legit company would ask for those details over the phone/email.

    Don’t sign blank credit card receipts How often do you actually check the receipt you sign? If your answer is ‘not often’, you need to rethink your approach. Blank sections of a receipt can be used to add extra charges, which you will pay for because your signature will be down the bottom.”

    We have compiled a quick list of some other ways we can prevent what has become the fastest growing crime in Australia:

    1. Keep virus software up to date on our computers. Install automatic updates and perform regular virus scans.
    2. Keep our privacy settings secure on all social networking sites.
    3. Keep our passwords and PIN numbers secure. Don’t carry PIN numbers with our credit/debit cards, change passwords regularly and use a variety of passwords for different purposes.
    4. Check all our credit card and bank statements each time they come in.
    5. Cross-shred all personally identifiable information which we no longer need, rather than throwing it straight in the bin.
    6. Buy a safe for our personal information at home.
    7. Do not give any personal information or credit card details to anyone via phone or email unless we are sure the site is secure, and or we can verify the company details.
    8. Be aware of who gets our personal information and for what purposes. What can these people do with the information they are gathering? For instance, is it really necessary for the site we are registering on to have our date of birth?
    9. Keep up to date with the latest scams by subscribing to the government’s ‘SCAM watch’ website.
    10. Check our credit file for free every 12 months. By requesting a copy of our credit file from one or more of the major credit reporting agencies,Veda Advantage, Dun & Bradstreet and Tasmanian Collection Service (TASCOL) we can be aware of any discrepancies which may need to be investigated. Often it is only through a credit check which comes back with defaults on our credit file do we realise we have been victims of identity theft.
    11. Report any incident of identity theft, no matter how small, or even if we have been reimbursed for the damage – to the Police. The more of us who report identity theft, the more effective will be our Government and Police response to it in the future.

    For those of us who are already identity theft victims, it can be difficult to navigate the current credit reporting system to have the offending defaults removed from our credit file.

    MyCRA Credit Repairs can completely remove defaults from credit files that have errors, are unjust or just shouldn’t be there. Contact www.mycra.com.au for more help.

    <p><ahref=”http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=584″>Image: Chris Sharp / FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></p>

     

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  • Plain English Credit – What you should know about taking on credit

    What you should know about taking on credit

    What is my credit rating?
    Your credit rating is a file on your credit history and is collated by the major credit reporting agencies if you have ever been credit-active.  Your credit rating is then checked by any financial institution or credit provider and is used to assess both the amount you are able to borrow and your ability to repay the loan.
    What does ‘credit active’ mean?
    Anyone that has borrowed money, or has established an account for services is credit active and will have a file in their name. This includes mobile phone plans, accounts with utility companies, rates accounts and of course loans of any kind.
    What is defined as a ‘bad’ credit rating?
    In broad terms, any credit defaults, court actions or writs, external administrations and bankruptcy are all recorded on your credit file and would be considered ‘bad’ credit history by most credit providers.
    In this current economic climate basic defaults and even too many credit enquiries or applications for credit may be considered to be tarnishes on your credit rating.
    How do I know if I have a bad credit rating?
    If you are unsure what is on your credit file, it would be worth taking the time to find out.
    There are three major credit reporting agencies in Australia: Veda Advantage – which holds the credit file of over 14 million Australians, Dun and Bradstreet and Tasmanian Collection Service.
    You can write to or email one of these agencies and request a copy of your file.  If you are not in a hurry there is no charge to you but it will take 10 working days from application to receive this information.
    What is not realised by many people is how easy it is to have a default slapped on their file.  If a bill is more than 60 days late (including rates, power, mobile phones) then a provider has the right to notify you of their intentions to record this default on your credit file. Even if this bill is paid and noted on your file, this default usually remains on your record for 5 years.
    I have found defaults on my credit rating, what are the consequences of this?
    If you discover you have a bad credit file, you will find it very difficult to obtain credit in the future. Generally this problem will keep occurring for the 5 years the default is on your file. This will probably prevent you from obtaining a home loan with most lenders and possibly lead to credit refusal of many kinds from cards to phone plans.
    What can I do to fix my credit rating?
    Once you have obtained a report there are three things to consider:
    1. Check the accuracy of the report. If there are errors, be aware you do have the right to have errors rectified.  Likewise, if there are numerous strange defaults and or applications for credit that you don’t recognise – you would need to immediately investigate these and notify Police in case of identity fraud.
    2. Check you were informed of any intention to list. Current legislation requires you to have been informed in writing of any intention from creditors to list you as a defaulting on credit.
    3. Check the fairness of the listing. Only serious credit infringements should be recorded, or overdue bills in which 60 days have elapsed since payment was due.
    How does My CRA work to repair my credit rating?
    In many cases where people have attempted to remove the default themselves, they have come across difficulties and defaults have not been cleared. Most times the creditor will explain to the client that defaults DONT EVER get removed. The best they can do is mark the listing as paid (if it’s been paid).  This may not be sufficient to ensure credit is obtained with some lenders.
    If you have a default, writ or judgement that has errors or just shouldn’t be there – there is a good chance that My CRA can actually remove it – meaning your financial future is looking a whole lot brighter.
    My CRA works with creditors to negotiate on your behalf and work for your best outcome based on the creditor’s compliancy with the current legislation. We will also look at any other extenuating circumstances to determine if there is an avenue we can investigate which results in having the listing removed.
    We have had up to a 91.7% success rate with cases we take on.   Many credit ratings are cleared within or around 21 working days though some do take longer depending on the difficulty of the case.
    Should I try to cut out all credit from now on?
    Credit is not all bad.  In fact, not having ever taken out credit can harm your chances of obtaining a loan just as much as having a bad credit rating.
    However, we do advise you to be cautious with credit. Start small, for instance a mobile phone plan or store credit card. Make all repayments on time and work methodically to build up a solid credit history.
    What can I do to maintain a good credit rating?
    1. Make all payments on time. This is the easiest way to ensure there are no discrepancies or defaults on your credit file.
    If you are unable to make a payment on time, contact the creditor. They may be able to set up a payment plan for you until you get back on your feet.
    2. Regularly obtain a copy of your credit file – once a year is recommended.
    3. Sign up for Veda Advantage’s Alert system. For approximately $50 per year they can send you a copy of your credit report and email you of any changes made to your credit file within the 12 months of membership.
    4. Keep credit card limits within a set budget. Don’t be tempted to accept the sky high limits some banks offer as it could encourage you to spend needlessly and blow out your budget.
    5. Be aware of excessive credit enquiries. If you are not sure about your credit health, get it checked before applying for new credit. Declined credit applications on a person’s file can hinder their chances of obtaining a loan. Some lenders are rejecting loans for as little as two enquiries in 30 days, or six enquiries within the year.
    6. Don’t shop around for credit. You should only apply for credit you have full intention of pursuing. Every application for credit will be noted on your file, but it does not say whether the application was approved or declined. It could look to creditors like you have been declined multiple times.
    Please Note: Our previous results of up to 91.7% have applied only to consumer applications and past results are no indication of future performance

  • What Young People Need To Know and Do

    As a young person, you should be extra vigilant with your credit file.
    Generation Y is responsible for more than one third of Australia’s total consumer credit defaults, despite making up 20% of the entire credit active population. Gen Y also has more personal loan and telecommunication defaults than any other generation, relative to population size. (Statistics from Veda Advantage)
    The system of credit we have is eager to suck people in but shows no remorse for people who fall off track. Young people have got to be wise and ensure they are making credit work for them, not letting it beat them.
    Your credit file lists personal details like name and address, but also any times you have applied for credit, any defaults (overdue accounts), court judgements, writs and bankruptcies.
    Many young people don’t realise how easy it can be to end up with a bad credit rating.
    Here are some of the typical situations where you can find yourself with a black mark against your name:
    Unpaid accounts: Any credit accounts or loans – including mobile phones and electricity that run over the due date are considered unpaid accounts. If they are not paid by the due date, creditors will make a note of it. If the account is not settled within 60 days from the due date, creditors can list this unpaid account or loan on your credit file as a default.
    Moving/traveling: If you move around a lot, the danger can be ending up with defaults on your credit rating due to unpaid accounts you were not aware of. Typically an account gets sent to your previous address and remains unpaid and then listed as such on your credit file. Consider a P.O. Box for all your mail or alternatively a parent’s address.
    Share accommodation: Any accounts which have your name on them, regardless of who intends to pay them are your responsibility – this includes rent. Sometimes people get caught out sharing houses, and someone leaves bills unpaid which then have dire consequences for your future.
    Identity fraud: Young people are increasingly victims of identity theft – and often it is someone they know. Typically, someone uses your identity to secure credit in their name – mobile phone accounts, credit cards, store credit – in some cases even mortgages. See our website for more information on identity theft and how it could affect you.
    To avoid the disappointment and embarrassment of finding out about your bad credit rating only after being declined credit, MY CRA recommend you check your credit file every 6-12 months to ensure there are no black marks against your name, just as you would check your bank statements or your super account.
    You can request a copy of your credit file for free from the major credit reporting agencies – Veda Advantage, Dun & Bradstreet or Tasmanian Collection Services (if you are Tasmanian). This will be provided within 10 working days – or for a fee it can be provided urgently.
    The consequences of a bad credit rating:
    A bad credit rating sticks. Many times you will find you are black listed from credit for a five year period following a default on your record. Even having too many credit enquiries or a default from a simple unpaid phone bill can be enough to be refused a home loan with most lenders in the current economic climate.
    Think of everything you want to achieve in the next five years. Maybe you would like to buy property, start a business, buy a motor vehicle, borrow money for travel, or even just take out a credit card. The chances of you being able to do this are greatly hindered with a bad credit rating.
    A clear and healthy credit file really is the ticket to financial freedom.
    How to repair your credit rating:
    If a credit file check does uncover some nasty surprises – it could be possible to repair the damage done by contacting MY CRA.
    If a default, writs or judgements has errors, has been entered unfairly, unjustly or just shouldn’t be there at all, we can help to remove the offending black mark and clear the file – something which you could find very difficult to do on your own.
    Most times a credit reporting agency will tell you that defaults are never removed, but can be marked as paid. You are then stuck with a dodgy credit rating for 5 years. But you shouldn’t have to put up with it, as it is possible to have many defaults removed.
    MY CRA has a 91.7% success rate in removing defaults on every case we take on. Usually the turn around is 21 working days though some can be longer depending on the difficulty of the case.
    But, prevention really is better, and cheaper than the cure.
    Credit reporting agency Veda Advantage suggests some further ways for young Australians to keep their credit rating clean:
    • Pay bills on time.
    • If people are having trouble paying, they should contact the organisation they owe money to, It may be possible to set up a payment extension system if people are honest about their situation. It is often the failure to respond to a bill or notify a business of your intention to pay that causes them to proceed to default stage.
    • Don’t take submitting credit applications lightly. Current legislation in place means organisations running credit checks can’t see whether or not an application was successful – all they can see are the number of applications.
    • Consider pre-paid mobile phone services.
    • Keep addresses and other details accurate and up to date to ensure credit providers are sending notices to the correct address.

  • How Do I Know What Is On My Credit File?

    You can check what is on your credit file in a number of ways.  If you have time on your hands, you can request a copy of your credit report for free from one of the credit reference agencies.  The request needs to be made in writing, and your credit report will take 10 working days from date of receipt to be sent to you.

    If you require it urgently, the credit reference agencies will charge you a fee of around $30, and generally your credit report will be despatched for you within one working day.  Below are links for credit reporting agencies:

    http://www.vedaadvantage.com/personal/mcf/my-credit-file.dot

    http://dnb.com.au/Credit_Reporting/Order_my_consumer_report/index.aspx

    http://www.tascol.com.au/reports.htm

    For more information on removing defaults or bad credit listings from your credit file, please have a look at www.MyCRA.com.au or call 07 3124 7133 for FREE info..