You can get a copy of your credit report from these credit reporting agencies:Veda
Advantage (previously known as Baycorp Advantage), Dun and Bradstreet, and Tasmanian Collection Service.
A credit reporting agency must take all reasonable steps to ensure you can access your report. You should be able to get a copy of your credit report for free by applying in writing to the credit
reporting agency.
Veda Advantage or Dun and Bradstreet may take up to 10 days to send your report from the day they receive your application, or sooner if you pay a fee. Tasmanian Collection Service will provide you
with a free copy of your report if your application relates to a refusal of credit or the management of your credit arrangements. Otherwise they charge a small fee.
Check your personal details.
Are your names and addresses spelt correctly? Misspelt names and addresses might mean you have multiple listings for one loan application or have someone else's defaults listed on your report. Ask
the credit reporting agency to fix any mistakes.
Has someone stolen your identity to apply for credit? If you believe someone else is using your identity to get credit you may be the victim of identity theft. Identity theft or fraud is a crime.
Report it to the police, the credit providers and the credit reporting agency.
Check the accuracy and age of any listed credit defaults.
Were the defaults more than 60 days old when listed and did you receive a letter about the default before it was listed? Inform the credit provider and the credit reporting agency of any mistakes and
ask them to amend your credit report.
How old is the listing? It can't be listed for more than five years.
Are they listed as paid or unpaid? Repay any outstanding credit defaults if you can When you pay, ask the credit provider and credit reporting agency to amend your credit report. The default credit
will still be listed but will no longer be outstanding.
Check the accuracy and age of any serious credit infringements, listed court judgments or bankruptcy order.
Is something listed as a serious credit infringement when you were contactable and weren't trying to avoid the debt? This shouldn't be listed as a serious credit infringement. Contact a consumer
credit legal centre if there is a mistake.
How old is the credit infringement listing? It can't be listed for more than seven years. Inform the credit provider and the credit reporting agency of any mistakes and ask them to amend your credit
report.
If you are unable to fix any inaccuracies on your credit report you can also take your complaint to:
an an independent complaints scheme
for complaints about banks or credit unions
the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman for complaints about phone companies
the Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner for all credit reporting complaints
Your credit report is just one factor a credit provider may take into account when assessing your application for a loan. Other factors may include your employment, your income, your savings and any
existing liabilities.
If your loan application is rejected ask the credit provider to explain exactly why. You cannot rewrite your credit history but you can try to create a brighter credit future if you use credit wisely
and regularly check your credit report.