Credit Reference Agencies
Wrongful default marker - settled debt not updated; Wrongful CIFAS fraud marker; Subject Access Request refused / incomplete
Mandatory ADR
Max award: £445,000 (from 1 Apr 2025)
8 weeks firm; FOS 6 months; ICO up to 3 months
Uphold rate: 34% (FOS 2024/25)
Key Legislation
UK GDPR; Data Protection Act 2018; Consumer Credit Act 1974; UK GDPR; DPA 2018; CIFAS membership rules — UK GDPR Art 5 (accuracy); Art 16 (rectification); DPA 2018 s.167; CCA 1974 s.159; UK GDPR Art 5; Art 16; DPA 2018 s.167; CIFAS Rules
Complaint Route: Financial Ombudsman Service
Type: Ombudsman (binding on firm)
Max award: £445,000
Uphold rate: 34%
Average resolution: 180 days
Pre-conditions: Complain to firm first; firm has 8 weeks to resolve; then refer to FOS within 6 months of final response
Visit FOS websiteCompanies in This Sector
Experian (FCA 311605)Equifax (FCA 194205)TransUnion (FCA 737740)
Annual complaint volume: 305,726 (FOS 2024/25 total)
Note: Compensation range: D&I £250-£1000 (credit damage); marker removed