Once logged in, Consumer Reports can be accessed by selecting ‘Identity’ from the left-hand menu and then selecting 'Consumer Search'.
In order to carry out any consumer search, the user will need to enter at least an individual’s Title, Forename, Surname, D.O.B, Gender, & Address & a Reason for Search - if the individual has any joint accounts and you have permission to include these accounts in your search, you can select the 3rd Party opt-in option which charges 1 additional credit.
We also allow our users the option of entering 2 previous addresses (at a charge of 1 extra credit each) and/or a previous name at this stage by selecting the "Add previous address" button and/or expanding the box using the ^ on the right hand side of "(Main Applicant) Consumer Previous Name".
Every user will be required to specify how they will be using the product over the course of their contract with us by selecting the ‘Reason for Search’.
Once all relevant information has been entered all you need to do is hit the green 'Validate' button and the system will begin the search.
Summary Page
When the search results are returned, you will see the "Search Details" on the left and the "Confirmed Match Applicant" details on the right along with the "Score" attained. These are visible on every page of our reports. The "Summary" tab displays a snapshot on what information is available on the target individual with sections dedicated to datasets such as Insolvencies, Judgements and Undeclared Links.
To access the linked pages, select the dataset you want more information on using the tab headings at the top. For example, the screenshot below shows the information available for Insolvency.
Search History
A record of all the searches that have been carried is held within the ‘History’ section, which is accessible at the bottom left of the Consumer search page.
The History can be generated by searching between specific dates, keyword or reference.
You can also download the report as a .csv file using the "Download Report (.csv)" button at the bottom of the results on the left.
Picklist Functionality
If there is any ambiguity with the name of the individual or the address entered, a ‘picklist’ screen will be returned from which you will be able to select the correct details to match the applicant you are searching.
The example below shows an Address Picklist that has been returned due to the applicant’s address not being specific enough and returning multiple addresses for the address entered.
Within the Confirm Applicant Address component, there will be a list of possible addresses that match the Name and Postcode entered as part of the search, in this instance ‘MR TERRY CURTIS, X9 9JD’.
You would then be required to select the correct name and address and press Select.
The following example shows an Individual Picklist that has been returned due to the applicant’s name being similar to other individuals at the same address. In this instance, the search details entered were ‘MR HENRY BULLDOG, X9 9TA’.
If none of the suggested Names or Addresses are correct, there is an option to select ‘None Of The Above’. If this option is selected, a report will be displayed stating ‘No Match Found’.
Data disputes for unsuccessful searches can be raised via help@creditsafeuk.com providing that the exact input details are provided in order for an investigation to be conducted.
