Seeing account or enquiries on your credit report can be worrying. Below are some steps that may help:
1. Search for the company name on a search engine - Some providers share their information with credit bureaus using a different trading name. Providers sometimes change trading names or merge into another organisation. A quick internet search could rule out any concerns about fraud.
2. Check the opening date and payment history of the account - This could provide you with an indication of which of your accounts this may be. Sometimes old accounts suddenly appear on your credit report. A reason why this may happen is if a provider starts sharing information with the credit bureau for the first time.
3. Check the account number displayed on the account - The account number on your credit reports is partly encrypted to protect your information. If the account number that is visible is different to what you recognise, contact the provider of that account. The provider o lender share the information you see on your credit report and they'll be able to look into this for you.
4. Contact the credit provider immediately - Credit providers share information with credit bureaus. Credit bureaus show this information on your credit report. This is why it's best to contact the providers. They'll be able to stop or freeze any account or activity and start a fraud investigation.
Check out our artcile to find out more on what you should do if you think you’ve been a victim of fraud.