DO you know that you can challenge the credit bureau if you have been negatively blacklisted?

The National Credit Act says the credit bureau must help aggrieved consumers clear their names.

Credit ombudsman Manie van Schalkwyk says consumers who have been negatively listed have a right to challenge or dispute information that appears on their records at the credit bureau.

Van Schalkwyk says the credit bureau must take steps to resolve the dispute within 20 working days as set out in the regulations of the National Credit Act.

He also gives steps a consumer must follow to challenge or dispute information at the credit bureau:

• First call the credit bureau and obtain a copy of your credit record. Remember you are entitled to one free report a year.
• Call the credit bureau with specifics of the disputed information on the report and lodge a formal complaint.
• The credit bureau will give the consumer a reference number.
• The consumer must allow the credit bureau 20 working days to resolve the dispute.
• If the consumer is not satisfied or there is no outcome from the credit bureau after the prescribed 20 working days, the consumer can refer the complaint to the credit ombud. Have your reference number handy.

The credit ombud offers a free of charge service to consumers and businesses who have been negatively affected by credit information at the credit bureau.

Complaints can be lodged by contacting 0861 66 2837; www.creditombud.org.za. For general credit-related information email ombud@creditombud.org.za.