Koodo misuse of access to Equifax scores | Koodo Mobile | Forum
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9:38 am
I decided to switch from Rogers to Koodo. I went to Future Shop to make the transaction and chose two relatively inexpensive phones to use with the Tab Option. It was, by coincidence, the day after the stock market tanked for the second time after the US House turned down the bail-out package.
Despite having good credit, with a good job and well advance in years (over 50) I was denied the Tab Option based on my Equfax score. This came as a shock, largely because I didn't give anyone permission to check my Equifax score, but also because I do not have a bad credit score.
I checked the Koodo literature, and lo and behold in the fine print on the back is a tiny sentence that says the Tab Option is based on approved credit, so I have to presume they get implied permission for a credit check when a customer chooses the Tab Option.
OK, I said, forget the TAB Option. I'll just buy the phones. The fine print says nothing about credit approval for opening an account. Still, Koodo said I could only have one phone on the account (I need two) and that they would cut off my phone if my bill went over $200.00, because of my credit score.
I called their customer service and was very rudely treated by a young man who clearly knows nothing about Equifax or the need for permission to access credit records, and who was completely unwilling to investigate what error prevented me from getting what I wanted. I do not have poor credit. I am a homeowner of over 30 years, and have never defaulted on anything.
Basically I was told I am a deadbeat and should call Equifax.
I will call Equifax, and the CRTC, and anyone else I must call to prevent Koodo from accessing credit history without customer permission. Although they may get implied permission to access credit history when customers choose the TAB Option, they say nothing in their literature about credit investigations for opening accounts where people do NOT choose the tab option.
I have been able to get phones with another provider, and I'll probably never know what happened that day, or who's credit score was actually accessed without my permission, but by the time this all played out I was half way switched over to Koodo (one phone was switched before the told me I couldn't have two phones) and it cost me money to switch back.
9:18 am
I activated my phone at a Koodo store in the mall and when I did they asked me for my ID so they could do a credit check. I think the everyone who opens an cell phone account has to do a credit check because you are recieving services before you pay for them. Same as Bell does a credit check when setting up home service or internet. I think that your problem may have been that you went to Future Shop, not a Koodo store. They didn't inform you of the whole process. Why did you think you were giving your ID? They asked me for my Driver's Lic. and my SIN and credit card.
6:15 pm
Dawn said:
I decided to switch from Rogers to Koodo. I went to Future Shop to make the transaction and chose two relatively inexpensive phones to use with the Tab Option. It was, by coincidence, the day after the stock market tanked for the second time after the US House turned down the bail-out package.
Despite having good credit, with a good job and well advance in years (over 50) I was denied the Tab Option based on my Equfax score. This came as a shock, largely because I didn’t give anyone permission to check my Equifax score, but also because I do not have a bad credit score.
I checked the Koodo literature, and lo and behold in the fine print on the back is a tiny sentence that says the Tab Option is based on approved credit, so I have to presume they get implied permission for a credit check when a customer chooses the Tab Option.
OK, I said, forget the TAB Option. I’ll just buy the phones. The fine print says nothing about credit approval for opening an account. Still, Koodo said I could only have one phone on the account (I need two) and that they would cut off my phone if my bill went over $200.00, because of my credit score.
I called their customer service and was very rudely treated by a young man who clearly knows nothing about Equifax or the need for permission to access credit records, and who was completely unwilling to investigate what error prevented me from getting what I wanted. I do not have poor credit. I am a homeowner of over 30 years, and have never defaulted on anything.
Basically I was told I am a deadbeat and should call Equifax.I will call Equifax, and the CRTC, and anyone else I must call to prevent Koodo from accessing credit history without customer permission. Although they may get implied permission to access credit history when customers choose the TAB Option, they say nothing in their literature about credit investigations for opening accounts where people do NOT choose the tab option.
I have been able to get phones with another provider, and I’ll probably never know what happened that day, or who’s credit score was actually accessed without my permission, but by the time this all played out I was half way switched over to Koodo (one phone was switched before the told me I couldn’t have two phones) and it cost me money to switch back.
If you activate at a koodo kiosk, a sales rep asks permission and will explain before the activation process that the tab is based on a credit check.
7:00 pm
Lynn said:
I activated my phone at a Koodo store in the mall and when I did they asked me for my ID so they could do a credit check. I think the everyone who opens an cell phone account has to do a credit check because you are recieving services before you pay for them. Same as Bell does a credit check when setting up home service or internet. I think that your problem may have been that you went to Future Shop, not a Koodo store. They didn’t inform you of the whole process. Why did you think you were giving your ID? They asked me for my Driver’s Lic. and my SIN and credit card.
Acually I sale Koodo and its soft check credit it doesn't effect your credit as far as i know if You apply for loan or for mortgage then thats effect your credit second thing there credit check area is more harder than telus or bell because they are not pulling you in contract thats why they are diffrent from others now i beleive future shop guy didn't know how to treat customer i think u should come to any of our store i work for "Cellular Point" and im 100% sure u will like our customer service its all about customer service I explain my customer each and every thing....
Thanks
Madiha
Yorkgate Mall
5:24 pm
I totally agree with the first poster, I have the exact same sitation, am over 50, own my own home, have no mortgage, no loans, no defaulted bills and yet koodo treated me like a criminal.
Although the phone and coverage is very good and suits my daughter's use fine, with this ridiculous limitation they are just shooting themselves in the foot. My son is going over to someone else.
Way to go, idiots...
10:25 pm
I appreciate that Madiha clarified the Credit Bureau inquiry being a soft hit rather than a hard inquiry. Though a soft inquiry does show up on the file and provide access to the information it does not have an effect on your credit score. As for their qualification requirements for the Tab, I can't speak to that. If you have ever had an unauthorized credit check done on yourself, you are more than within your rights to have the company who performed it have the inquiry removed. If they cannot provide solid proof of your explicit consent, they need to contact the credit bureau(s) they referenced and remove the inquiry.
7:51 am
Well, just to reply to post about being treated as a criminal. Especially with no loans, no mortgage and such.. Just for your information, If u have an inactive report.. such as ur not using ur credit card or there are no loans out... ur credit report recycles itself every so many years... if u have nothing on there when it recycles.. u have NO credit. There u go. I worked as a consultant for equifax for the online personalized credit report. So, good for you; no loans, cc's or mortgages.. but bad cause now if u have NOTHING THERE FOR PEOPLE TO REPORT.. U BASICALLY ARE CREDITLESS THEREFORE.. UR NOT A GOOD CANDIDATE TO VIEW UR PRIOR BILLING HISTORY.. understood?
7:06 pm
June 21/09
On July 14/08 I went to Walmart to acquire a (free) Koodoo phone as per advertisement. Since I was moving from Ont. to N.S. I gave them the N.S. address. My credit rating (which has been excellent for 40+ years) was negative because I had not yet resided at the N.S. address and was denied the free phone. I went home and accessed my credit score from Trans Union and it was 821/900. I went back to Walmart the same day and told them to use my (then) current Ontario address. They did, my credit was excellent and I had a free phone. Walmart informed me they would have Koodoo delete the first (N.S. address) account. This deletion NEVER occurred and despite months of phone calls and registered letter to Koodoo they sent this (never used) account for collection.Koodoo staff admitted their error on two occasions by phone, owe me money and said they would investigate ( provided me with an investigation #). Koodoo Mobile ignores their own staff notes with regards to customer issues, fails to communicate with the customer, fails to follow thru on investigation procedures and fails to correct Koodoo admitted errors. This has affected my credit rating Equifax has been supportive and is investigating.
12:16 pm
Hi There. I was just wondering if anyone knows a way that i can get a Koodo phone, with having bad credit. I fell into a rut and couldn't pay my student loan that was a huge monthly payment so I got thrown into the credit bureau. I want to go with Koodo for free long distance, but i probably won't pass the credit check. Is there a way to buy the phone to skip the credit check? I would love to have a koodo account and I do pay all of my bills other than the student loan. Thanks !!
4:49 am
I recently moved my service to Koodo. When I did a personal credit check at Trans Union, I was shocked to see KOODO had posted it on my credit report so...if I don't pay my bill precisely on time it will greatly impact my credit standing. They have late fees like everyone else and I frankly wouldn't think twice about letting a normal phone bill run a few days over the due date. I will be paying my tab and moving my services to another provider at the earliest opportunity.
DONT BE LATE ON YOUR KOODO BILL OR YOU WILL PAY AND PAY AND PAY with increase credit costs if you are not 100% on time.
Check your credit bureau reports!!
They recently sent a text asking if I would recommend them to my friends. I WILL BE SURE TO TELL EVERYONE I CAN - NOT TO MOVE TO KOODO
5:59 am
Why not buy the cheapest phone you can find and go pay per use until you can rebuild your credit. When Koodo posts your account to Trans Union and/or Equifax, aside from the standard late charges we all pay for everything, your credit will be trashed if you go over 30 days and everyone who checks your credit for the next 6 years or more will see it.
I hope this helps.
Soon to be XKoodo Customer
Edward said:
Hi There. I was just wondering if anyone knows a way that i can get a Koodo phone, with having bad credit. I fell into a rut and couldn't pay my student loan that was a huge monthly payment so I got thrown into the credit bureau. I want to go with Koodo for free long distance, but i probably won't pass the credit check. Is there a way to buy the phone to skip the credit check? I would love to have a koodo account and I do pay all of my bills other than the student loan. Thanks !!
5:26 pm
Reply to Madiha - I understand you sale Koodo. I will need to correct you nonetheless, the credit hit is a hard hit and shows to potential creditors unlike the soft hit most creditors use, unless you're buying a house!! I am told a hard hit will lower your credit score by 7 points. KOODOS!!!
Madiha said:
Lynn said:I activated my phone at a Koodo store in the mall and when I did they asked me for my ID so they could do a credit check. I think the everyone who opens an cell phone account has to do a credit check because you are recieving services before you pay for them. Same as Bell does a credit check when setting up home service or internet. I think that your problem may have been that you went to Future Shop, not a Koodo store. They didn’t inform you of the whole process. Why did you think you were giving your ID? They asked me for my Driver’s Lic. and my SIN and credit card.
Acually I sale Koodo and its soft check credit it doesn't effect your credit as far as i know if You apply for loan or for mortgage then thats effect your credit second thing there credit check area is more harder than telus or bell because they are not pulling you in contract thats why they are diffrent from others now i beleive future shop guy didn't know how to treat customer i think u should come to any of our store i work for "Cellular Point" and im 100% sure u will like our customer service its all about customer service I explain my customer each and every thing....
Thanks
Madiha
Yorkgate Mall
6:11 am
Guys, all credit checks are hard ones, Trans Union don't know their job and Equifax does! Soft checks and hard checks as the last person stated, IS very much so a 7 point hit and it doesn't matter who checks your credit report it all goes against you, soft checks and hard ones of course, but now adays it even affects your credit if someone sent you a credit card application and you refuse it...check it out, I did when my identity got stolen and all due to Trans Union and it took Equifax to show them my credit was excellent, so I guess I am not going to Koodo...thanks guys!
And who invented at the end of these posts a Math question? Wow we are smarter than a fifth grader! LOL
12:49 pm
I have a koodo account and never had an issue ever with either the initial signup or with service since then. They have been exceptional. Every cell phone company pulls a credit report unless you are going with prepaid... go ahead and bash koodo, no-one can compare to their rates and I'd rather pay my bill on time and save hundreds or thousands a year than to worry about whether or not a hit will affect my credit. If you intend on paying your bill and hvae good intentions I think they are fabulous to deal with. Telus cant even match the same rate plans and they own koodo. Weve switched all of the kids over and have never had any trouble at all. I like koodo!!!!
8:58 pm
I went to Koodo today to get my first monthly plan cell phone. Ive only ever had pay as you go before. When the man did my credit check and tab approval I was surprised when he told me I was only approved for the credit check and not the tab?? I have only had a credit card for 4 months and have paid all bills on time, incurring barely any interest.. Can anyone explain why I didnt get approved for the tab and if this shows up on my credit score?
10:35 pm
I am having the same issue, I called koodo support and was informed that while my credit was excellent (I have never had a late charge on credit card or phone bill) I hadn't built it up long enough. Four months just isn't long enough to build a good score.
confusedd said:
I went to Koodo today to get my first monthly plan cell phone. Ive only ever had pay as you go before. When the man did my credit check and tab approval I was surprised when he told me I was only approved for the credit check and not the tab?? I have only had a credit card for 4 months and have paid all bills on time, incurring barely any interest.. Can anyone explain why I didnt get approved for the tab and if this shows up on my credit score?
