How to dispute a duplicate account on TransUnion
Seeing the same debt twice on your TransUnion report? That usually happens when a debt gets sold to a collector and both the old lender and new owner show active entries.
Two entries isn’t always wrong. But if both show active balances, or the debt buyer created a new default date, that’s an error and it needs fixing.
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, identify the duplicate entries, and raise a dispute on the incorrect one. Explain the debt was sold and only one active balance should show.
TransUnion places a Notice of Dispute while investigating. If the original lender doesn’t respond within 28 days, TransUnion’s policy is to suppress or remove the duplicated data.
TransUnion-specific tips
TransUnion’s stated removal policy when lenders don’t respond is particularly useful for duplicates, as original lenders who have sold the debt may not prioritise responding.
Evidence you’ll need
- Prepare account statements from the original lender, the debt assignment or sale notification letter, screenshots of both entries showing the duplication, and any correspondence from the debt purchaser confirming the purchase.
- TransUnion accepts up to 5 documents per dispute in JPG, JPEG, PDF, or TIFF format. Upload via transunionstatreport.co.uk, identifying the duplicate entry clearly. You can also email [email protected] or post to PO Box 647, Unit 4, Hull, HU9 9QZ.
Timeline
TransUnion contacts both data suppliers. Each has 28 days to respond. TransUnion automatically places a Notice of Dispute (NOD) on the duplicate entry, visible to lenders.
If the original lender doesn’t respond within 28 days, TransUnion’s policy is to suppress or remove the data — particularly useful for duplicates, as lenders who have sold the debt may not prioritise responding. Credit Karma users should allow an extra 7 days for the refresh.
If your dispute is rejected
The ICO and FOS are clear that debts should not be double-reported. If neither the original lender nor debt purchaser cooperates, escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
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. The NOD remains visible to lenders during the escalation process.
FAQs
Should both entries be removed from TransUnion?
No. The debt purchaser’s entry is legitimate. The original lender’s entry should show £0 balance and “assigned” status.
Can a debt purchaser create a new default date on TransUnion?
No. The original default date must be preserved. A new default date artificially extends the time on your TransUnion report and is grounds for dispute.
Dispute this on another CRA
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