How to dispute an account that isn’t yours on TransUnion
Spotted an account on your TransUnion report that you’ve never seen before? Don’t panic — it’s more likely a mixed file than fraud. TransUnion’s matching algorithms sometimes link someone else’s data to your profile.
Either way, it needs fixing. Here’s how to sort it out with TransUnion.
Key takeaways
- Free to dispute — your legal right under CCA s.159 and UK GDPR.
- TransUnion must respond within 28 days.
- Lender has 28 days to respond to TransUnion’s enquiry.
- Check your TransUnion report free via Credit Karma.
How to dispute with TransUnion
Go to transunionstatreport.co.uk, find the unrecognised account, and click “Something not right?”. Explain the account isn’t yours.
TransUnion places a Notice of Dispute on the entry while investigating. They contact the lender to verify the account holder’s details.
If the lender doesn’t respond within 28 days, TransUnion’s policy is to suppress or remove the data.
TransUnion-specific tips
TransUnion’s stated 28-day removal policy is particularly helpful for mixed file disputes — if the original lender no longer exists or is unresponsive, the data should be suppressed or removed.
Evidence you’ll need
- Prepare proof of identity (passport, driving licence, or birth certificate), proof of address (utility bills, council tax), and your date of birth and National Insurance number. These help TransUnion distinguish you from the person whose data has been mixed with yours.
- TransUnion accepts up to 5 documents per dispute in JPG, JPEG, PDF, or TIFF format. Upload via transunionstatreport.co.uk, email to [email protected], or post to PO Box 647, Unit 4, Hull, HU9 9QZ. If the lender that opened the account no longer exists, TransUnion’s 28-day removal policy means the data should still be resolved.
Timeline
TransUnion contacts the lender to verify the account holder’s details. The lender has 28 days to respond. Mixed file disputes usually resolve within 2–4 weeks once the identity mismatch is confirmed.
TransUnion automatically places a Notice of Dispute (NOD) on the entry, visible to lenders. If the lender doesn’t respond within 28 days, TransUnion’s policy is to suppress or remove the data — particularly helpful when the original lender no longer exists or is unresponsive. Credit Karma users should allow an extra 7 days for the refresh.
If your dispute is rejected
If TransUnion can’t resolve the mixed file, escalate to the ICO. A mixed file constitutes inaccurate personal data under UK GDPR, and the ICO can order TransUnion to correct it.
TransUnion must acknowledge formal complaints within 5 working days and respond within 8 weeks. Email [email protected] or post to PO Box 647, Hull, HU9 9QZ. If the account turns out to be fraud rather than a mixed file, report to Action Fraud and get a crime reference number before proceeding.
FAQs
Should I report a mixed file to Action Fraud?
No. A mixed file is a data error, not a crime. Only report to Action Fraud if you believe someone has deliberately used your identity.
Can a mixed file happen on TransUnion but not the other CRAs?
Yes. Each CRA uses different matching algorithms, so a mixed file may appear on one CRA but not others. Always check all three.
Dispute this on another CRA
Other disputes on TransUnion
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