NO2ID

Are operated by the 3 Big Credit Reference Agencies.
These companies are operated by hard-nosed business-men, and all 3 constantly seek to increase the coverage of the Uk's adult population, both in terms of absolute numbers and in terms of the depth and breadth of information held. This information is then, of course, available to the organs of the state at both national and local level. Even if you actively seek to avoid registration, companies which have no conceivably valid interest in your credit-worthiness, at least in the way any normal person would understand it, such as the 'company' which takes away my waste bodily solids, will supply your data to these companies, with no redress in law.
This is not news. This information is public knowledge. It simply isn't commented on enough.
The coming crisis in energy provision, the rapidly increasing use made of credit reports by energy companies (see the Daily Telegraph campaign), and the subsequent affordability of energy, or otherwise, might begin to draw attention to this sadly neglected area of the 'id debate.'

Moderation: Moved from "Links" to "Discussion"

Do you have a link to the Telegraph campaign?

It's an interesting point you make about CRAs and the energy companies. I recently toyed with the idea of changing supplier (I didn't change, as it happened). When I looked at the websites of the various companies I was surprised to see the variation in the amount of perosnal data they required. A couple of companies - I think Eon and British Gas - required DoB and former address if less than three years at current address. Such requirements are sure fire indications that they are at the very least carrying out a credit check and may even provide the CRAs with monthly account details. At the other end of the scale was EDF, which only wanted your name, address and (optional) phone number. From the privacy point of view this company comes out way on top. As it happens I am with them and am going to stay with them for the moment.

Quite why energy companies should bother with CRAs is beyond me, given that, as I understand it, they cannot refuse to supply you, so a credit check is of no use to them. At worst, they are providing useful information to all the other blood suckers who provide info about you to the CRAs, and therefore get info back about you.

After reading the article I now know why (some) energy companies carry out these checks -to force some people onto theft tariffs.

(Tenchy, not logged in)

Just come across this thread. It set me wondering. How do all these payday loan companies manage to give you an instant loan?
Either they are very trusting or they have access to your credit records. Never having needed such a loan, thank God, I wouldn't know.
Does anyone?