I've tried to apply for a personal loan on Tuesday and was knocked back by CBA (my bank) with a claim that they couldn't provide me a loan due to the information they received from Veda.
I applied for a credit report the next day and found a default on my credit report from AGL Energy dating 16th of July 2013. I knew what the issue was and I knew it's an unfair/incorrect default. Here's what happened…
I had signed up with AGL in 2013 as they offered 16% discount + 5% if I pay on time. When I received the first bill of $733.92 it did not include the discount, so I contacted them and was advised that a new bill will be sent in 2 weeks to reflect the discount. No new bill was received, instead, I received a Final Notice bill 4 weeks later. I called AGL that day and explained the issue. Again, I was told that a new bill will be sent out within 2 weeks.
The very next day 10th of May 2013 I received a call from NCML calling on behalf of AGL regarding an overdue payment. I explained that I'm not running away from the payment, in fact I called AGL twice to get the bill rectified. The lady on the phone then offered me 25% discount if I pay over the phone; I explained that this is a better deal than what I was requesting from AGL to rectify, I gave her my credit card details, paid the amount on the bill $733.92 - 25% = $550.44 and received an email stating:
"Upon receipt of your payment of $550.44, our client will consider the debt settled and your obligation in regards to the above account will be finalised."
AGL has put a default on my account on the 16th of July 2013 for the amount of $183.00 (which happens to be the 25% discount offered by "NCML")!
I have contacted AGL and they claim that me paying the amount requested by NCML does not mean no default will be put on my account! But this isn't my fault, I've never ever missed a bill payment, I've had 2 car loan paid off and currently paying off another 2 car loans. I've had 6 credit cards before and never missed a payment, all which have been closed and only left with 1 credit card as I'm trying to save for a house. How can something so simple stuff up my credit history? I feel it's very unjust and unfair that providers can stuff up people's lives however they want and whenever they want.
AGL said they will investigate the matter, but every time I call them to follow up they ask me to call back the next day.
What can I do to fix this issue? I still have the bill and the email correspondence with NCML, reference numbers, etc… Who should I contact if AGL can't fix the issue? How long will a fix take to reflect on my credit report should they decide to lift the default?
Is there a compensation to wrongly listing a default on people's credit report?
If they're dragging their feet, and you've done all you can to resolve, I'd recommend the ombudsman.