The error that generated false benefits payment data on credit register extracts has been corrected

The data transfer problem discovered in the Positive credit register that generated incorrect benefits payment data on credit register extracts has been resolved. We regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

The error generated incorrect benefits payment data for some customers

Because of the error, the net benefit income and sometimes even the gross benefit income was too high on some private individuals’ credit register extracts. In other words, the benefit income of the individuals in question seemed higher than it actually was. The extracts show the persons’ income and benefits for the previous 12 months. Lenders request extracts when granting new loans, for example, and when a loan contract is being changed.

“So far, over 3.5 million credit register extracts have been requested from the register. Multiple credit register extracts are often requested on the same person in the case of credit tendering, for example. There is nothing to suggest that the data on loans or wage income would be incorrect: the error only affected the calculation of benefit income. We are the controller of the register and do not know if the benefits payment data has affected the lenders’ decision-making,” says Marjaana Ohralahti from the Positive credit register.

The error affected benefit recipients whose income was paid to a substitute recipient, for example. Examples of such cases include parental leave or sick leave benefits paid to employers.

The error was discovered internally

The data transfer problem that caused the erroneous data was discovered internally in the register. The error was located and its correction started within a few days of the discovery. The correction required re-processing of large data volumes, which is why it took a little longer.

Immediately as we had discovered the error, we instructed lenders to use greater consideration in cases where there is benefits payment data on the loan applicant’s credit register extract. The error has now been corrected. In future, the benefits payment data of all individuals will be calculated correctly on the credit register extracts.

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Incorrect benefit income data on credit register extracts