Who can access my credit file?
Generally credit-reporting agencies can only provide information to certain people. An individual making an inquiry about their own file. businesses that are credit providers (eg banks, finance companies.) A law enforcement agency where a credit related offence (eg fraud) is believed to have taken place. There are heavy penalties credit reporting agencies that allow unauthorised access or improperly use personal credit information. The Privacy Act also insists that credit-reporting agencies take all precautions to keep your file secure so that it cannot be accessed illegally. WHERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION AND HELP The Privacy Commissioner is required to ensure compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) If you believe that a credit-reporting agency has acted improperly and/or failed to comply with the Privacy Act you can contact the Privacy Commissioner who can investigate on your behalf and try to resolve the matter. If your complaint cannot be resolved the Commissioner can make bindin
Equifax is the largest credit-reporting agency in Canada and receives over 40 million requests for file information each year. Federal and provincial laws are very specific as to who can review your credit file and for what purpose. An individual or company may only obtain a copy of your credit file with your consent or after having told you that they will be reviewing your file. A company must have a legitimate business reason and a permissible purpose, as stated in government regulations, to obtain your credit file. When you apply for a loan or credit card you are usually asked to complete and sign an application form. An application normally includes written consent that gives permission to the credit grantor to check your credit file when you first apply and for as long as the account is open. In addition to your name, an application often asks for your date of birth, your address and a previous address if you’ve recently moved – all of which helps to locate your credit file at a c
No credit provider is allowed to access a consumer credit file without the permission of the applicable individual. Veda Advantage records information on credit files under the strict regulations of the Federal Privacy Act 1988. How can I find out more / access a copy of my credit file? A simple way to obtain a copy of your personal file is by applying on-line at www.mycreditfile.com.au. The cost for an express service is $27.00 (including GST). A copy will be sent by email, post or fax within one working day of a request being received. If you have a little more time to spare then choose the free service and a copy of your credit file will be dispatched to you within ten working days free of charge. Please note that you may only request a copy of your own credit history. For security purposes, prior to receiving a credit file you will be asked to verify your identity. You can obtain more detailed information regarding the access and use of personal information on our privacy page. Fre
Under The Privacy Act (federal legislation that governs what information can be held and the length of time it can be held for) credit providers who you have applied to for credit, or goods and services where payment is deferred by a minimum of seven days may access your file; with your consent first. The Privacy Act also lays down requirements for dispute resolution and the Security of information held. The Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner also audits credit reporting agencies to ensure compliance with the Act.
