Scenario Number 15
Helen needs a new washing machine and wants to pay on credit. The shop refuses her credit and the manager will not give a reason.
Is the manager entitled to do this?
Answer
The manager is entitled to refuse to grant credit and he does not have to say why. However, it is probable that the shop, or its finance company, contacted a credit reference agency to get some basic information about Jean and her credit history/credit profile. If they took this action, Jean is entitled to know the name and address of the credit reference agency that the shop used. Jean should get this information, write to the credit reference agency, and ask for a copy of her file. She needs to pay a small fee for this information. The firm have to reply within 7 working days either by sending her a copy of her file, or by telling her they do not have any information about her.