I’ve been uneasy ever since that phone call from an attorney claiming that I owe my previous gym a few thousand rand. It was easy to prove that it was an error and we quickly resolved the matter. But what else is lurking on my credit record that I’m oblivious to? Not knowing your credit status could waste precious time when your loan or new account application is rejected because of a poor payment history. It could take several months to clear your name.

Fortunately, there are no more excuses to be in the dark about your credit risk rating. It will take you a few minutes to register as a member on Experian’s www.creditexpert.co.za and after receiving your PIN via email, you can obtain your credit summary online for free. If you need a more comprehensive credit report, you simply fax them proof of identification, as well as proof of residential address. As a registered member, you are entitled to one free report per year.

What do you do if your record reveals long overdue debt? Firstly, if you’re in the wrong, settle it as soon as financially possible. If you believe there’s been a mistake, gather all documents that you believe will prove your innocence and contact your creditor.

While you’re busy clearing your name, you may want to lodge a dispute with Experian. It usually takes about 20 days to resolve a dispute and during this time credit providers would not be able to view the disputed item on your credit record.

Even if you have paid your dues, many companies will keep you blacklisted for a further few years, which could still make it difficult for you to obtain credit. Even when your loan application is successful, you could be paying a higher interest rate than other applicants. It is at times like these that the services of an attorney could come in handy to assist you in your application for a rescission (the removal of your name from the blacklist).

Hahn & Hahn, one of the firms specialising in blacklisting, also has a few tips on their website on how to avoid appearing on the list in the first place:

• Pay all your debts before the 7th day of each month.
• Notify all your creditors of a change of address.
• Attend to legal documents and letters immediately – they will not go away.
• Should you be unable to pay your debt, make suitable arrangements with your creditors and keep to your arrangements.
• Be very careful of what you sign.

One could also add to the list another tip from business coach Thayn Niemand: If a company offers you more credit than you need with them, don’t accept it without thinking of the implications. That higher credit limit reduces the amount of credit for which you qualify with a company offering the type of credit that you actually need.

Lastly, if you are still unhappy with the treatment that you are receiving because of your credit record, you can also call the Credit Information Ombud (CIO) on 0861 662 837.

It’s never been easier to find out what your credit record is telling other people about you. And it won’t cost you a cent. Go ahead and make sure that your name is clear.