When a Canadian Credit Report check is complete, you can view the results from the case’s case details page on CertnCentric. The information is populated as the checks in the case are completed.
Learn more about Canadian Credit Report checks in our Canadian Credit Report checks Certn Help article.
In this article
Explanation of results
A case is Complete when the applicant has successfully submitted their information and Certn has executed all checks in the case and returned the relevant results. A Complete Canadian Credit Report check can have 1 of 2 check scores:
- Clear: The applicant’s data returned with a credit score above 650 and without any data which would trigger a review status.
- Review: The applicant’s data may return with this result if one or more of the following is true:
- The applicant’s data returned with a credit score below 650.
- The report contains any warnings or review flags.
- The information provided by the applicant differs from the information reported by Equifax.
- The applicant’s data did not return any data from Equifax.
For more information on check scores, see the Case and check statuses and scores Certn help article.
Check messages and subscores
A Canadian Credit Report check can be accompanied by additional messages and subscores once it is Complete and is given the Review score. Below is a list of common potential messages and subscores, their details, and next steps, if any.
Additional information messages and subscores
These messages provide context to the information made available in the Canadian Credit Report check’s results.
Select a message below to learn more.
No-hit
When information provided by the applicant does not match the information returned by Equifax for the Canadian Credit Report check, the check is given a subscore of No-hit.
If the applicant believes they have a reportable credit history and the No-hit result was returned in error, please confirm the following:
- The applicant has provided the correct name and it matches the name available through the Canadian Credit Reporting agency. For example if the applicant provided a married name through the application but a maiden name is still being used with the Canadian Credit Reporting agency.
- The address(es) provided by the applicant match at least one address available through the Canadian Credit Reporting agency.
- The applicant provided a SIN as part of their application. Providing a SIN in some cases can help return results.
Once you have confirmed the above information, you can reissue the Canadian Credit Report check through a new case as normal.
When an applicant has insufficient credit history Equifax cannot calculate a credit score and will not return information from that credit file.
Credit file locked by consumer
Applicants in Quebec are able to lock their credit file so that it is inaccessible.
Next steps
The applicant must request Equifax unlock their credit file. Once unlocked, you can reissue the Canadian Credit Report check through a new case as normal.
Consumer interview scheduled
The applicant has scheduled an interview with Equifax regarding their credit file.
Next steps
Once the case is complete, render a decision as normal. For more information on case decisions, see the Manage your cases Certn help article.
Lost or stolen wallet or identification
The applicant has reported a stolen wallet or piece of identification and may be a victim of fraud.
Next steps
Review the results in greater detail if necessary.
Identification theft alert
An identification theft alert exists on the applicant’s credit file. This alert appears on a credit file when identity theft has been reported by the applicant to Equifax.
Next steps
Review the results in greater detail if necessary.
Confirmed true name fraud activity
Fraudulent activity has been reported on the credit file. This message appears when the applicant has reported to Equifax they were a victim of fraud.
Protected rights
The applicant’s guardian or attorney is the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (OPGT) in Ontario.
Next steps
Contact the OPGT for more information at 1-800-366-0335 for more information.
Results withheld
A Results withheld message means credit file information will not be disclosed. It appears on a Canadian Credit Report check’s results when one or more of the following is true:
- The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is different from the one(s) on file.
- The age provided by the applicant is less than the age of the credit file.
- The person associated with the credit file is deceased.
- The date of birth used to run this check varies from the details of the credit file.
Next steps
Once a Canadian Credit Report check has a check score of either Clear or Review, the check is complete. Review the check results from the Case details page by selecting the case in the My tasks section.
Record a decision for the case
Once you’ve reviewed the results of the Canadian Credit Report check and any other checks in the case, you can record your decision concerning the case. See the Manage your cases Certn Help article for more information.