Not upheld: Incorrect CIFAS marker application and removal complaint against Barclays Bank UK PLC trading as Barclays

Decision detail

Summary

Mr V complained that Barclays incorrectly applied a CIFAS marker to his name, which he claimed prevented him from obtaining a mortgage and caused other financial difficulties. Barclays admitted the error and removed the marker within three weeks, offering £200 compensation. The ombudsman found that Mr V's credit report contradicted his claims about account closures, he was able to open new accounts despite the marker, and there was no evidence the mortgage would have been declined solely due to the marker. The ombudsman upheld Barclays' £200 compensation offer as reasonable and fair, rejecting Mr V's request for £1,500-£3,000.

The Ombudsman's reasoning

The ombudsman found that while Barclays made a mistake in applying the CIFAS marker and took three weeks to remove it, Mr V had not provided sufficient evidence that the marker caused the claimed distress and inconvenience. The credit report contradicted Mr V's claim that his account with L was closed, he was able to open an account with another bank despite an earlier declined application, and there was no evidence the mortgage would have been declined solely due to the marker which was removed reasonably quickly. The ombudsman concluded that Mr V's decision to cancel his mortgage appointment was his own choice and that the £200 compensation was reasonable and in line with similar cases.

How this compares

Source

Read the original decision on the Financial Ombudsman Service website