SCHUFA (Schutzgemeinschaft für allgemeine Kreditsicherung) is the largest credit reporting agency in Germany and a central player in the credit rating of private individuals and companies. A negative SCHUFA entry can block financial plans and have far-reaching consequences for the persons concerned. However, in many cases, these entries can be successfully challenged and deleted – especially with the support of a specialised lawyer.
Problems with a negative SCHUFA entry?
A negative SCHUFA entry often arises more quickly than you might think, for example due to:
•Unpaid bills (knowingly or unknowingly)
•Disputes with companies
•False reports of claims
Such entries often lead to serious problems such as the rejection of credit, mobile phone or energy contracts. It is particularly critical when companies make unlawful entries or exert pressure to enforce claims. Those affected have rights to defend themselves: incorrect or prematurely reported entries can be contested and, under certain circumstances, deleted prematurely.
Your rights: SCHUFA scoring and data protection
SCHUFA scoring is not only based on negative entries, but also on so-called ‘soft’ criteria such as:
•Number of credit cards
•Current accounts with overdraft interest
•Existing mobile phone or electricity contracts
According to SCHUFA, over 500,000 pieces of information are provided daily, although not all of the data is correct. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) gives you extensive rights to defend yourself against unauthorised entries or incorrect data. Article 82 of the GDPR provides a central basis for claims for damages in the event of data protection violations, while national regulations such as the German Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG) govern further rights and obligations.
Why a specialised lawyer is important
Experience shows that victims often fail without legal support. Lawyers can:
•Identify and challenge incorrect entries
•Request the SCHUFA or reporting companies to delete
•Take legal action against unauthorised entries
Dr. Thomas Schulte, a lawyer in Berlin, has specialised in representing SCHUFA victims for many years. Through careful preparation, we often achieve the deletion of unauthorised entries within 1 to 3 weeks. Thanks to his many years of experience and extensive expertise, Dr. Schulte is recognised nationwide as an expert in SCHUFA law.
Relevant judgements: SCHUFA entries and compensation
Case law repeatedly confirms that incorrect SCHUFA entries can be successfully challenged. Here are a few examples:
1. Hamburg Higher Regional Court (Az. 13 U 70/23): A customer received €4,000 in compensation because Barclays Bank had reported unauthorised claims. The entry was unlawful because the claim was disputed.
2. Hamburg District Court (19 April 2023): The court awarded a plaintiff 2,000 euros in non-pecuniary damages because a negative entry was made unlawfully. The underlying claim was not legally enforceable.
3. Regional Court, Mainz (Ref. 3 O 12/20): In this case, 5,000 euros in damages were awarded. Consent to the transfer of data was missing, which made the registration inadmissible.
4. Higher Regional Court, Dresden (Ref. 4 U 1158/21): Here, too, 5,000 euros in damages were awarded because an unauthorised entry had been made.
5. District Court of Wedding (Ref. 6b C 243/98): This judgement emphasised that ‘soft negative features’ may only be reported if the inability or unwillingness to pay is demonstrable.
6. Düsseldorf District Court (Az. 14d O 39/08): An automatic Schufa report was deemed unlawful, even if the data were correct.
These rulings show that those affected have a good chance of success if they consistently exercise their rights and secure legal support.
Contact Dr Schulte for quick help
A negative SCHUFA entry does not have to ruin your future! Get competent advice and benefit from our expertise:
•Phone: +49 (0) 30 – 22 19 220 20
•Email: dr.schulte@dr-schulte.de
•Location: Malteserstraße 170, 12277 Berlin
•Nationwide representation: Whether Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt or any other city – we take care of your concerns.
Your advantages with Dr. Schulte:
•Fast processing: Deletion often takes place within 1 to 3 weeks.
•Digital communication: Simple, efficient and transparent.
•Legal expertise: Many years of experience and nationwide representation.
Conclusion: Use your rights in a targeted manner
In many cases, legal support is required to delete a SCHUFA entry in order to avoid legal pitfalls and maximise your chances of success. Dr. Thomas Schulte offers those affected effective solutions based on in-depth expertise and years of experience. Use your rights and get professional advice – your future is worth it!
Further relevant judgements:
District Court Wedding (6b C 243/98): This 1998 judgement sets clear limits for reporting ‘soft negative features’ and confirms that entries may only be made if a bank can prove that the person does not want to or cannot pay.
Düsseldorf District Court (Az. 14d O 39/08): This judgment confirms that an automatic SCHUFA report – even if the data is correct – is always illegal.
Hamburg Altona District Court (317 C 328/04): The refusal of the credit reference agency to disclose the data source on the grounds of trade secrecy was declared unlawful.
Delete SCHUFA entry? Dr Schulte, your lawyer, can help effectively!
SCHUFA (Schutzgemeinschaft für allgemeine Kreditsicherung – Protection Association for General Credit Security) is the largest credit bureau in Germany and plays a crucial role in the credit rating of private individuals and companies. But what can you do if a negative SCHUFA entry is blocking your financial plans?
Problems with a negative SCHUFA entry?
A negative SCHUFA entry often arises more quickly than you think – whether it’s due to:
- Unpaid bills (knowingly or unknowingly)
- Disputes with companies
- Claims that have been wrongly reported
Such entries can have far-reaching consequences, such as being denied credit or being unable to enter into energy or mobile phone contracts. It becomes particularly problematic when companies unlawfully report entries or make threats to enforce claims.
Your rights: Incorrect or prematurely reported SCHUFA entries can be challenged and, under certain circumstances, deleted prematurely.
Why it is important to consult a specialised attorney
Experience shows that those affected often fail without legal support. Lawyers can:
- Identify and dispute incorrect entries
- Request that the SCHUFA or reporting companies delete them
- Take legal action against unauthorised entries
Dr Thomas Schulte, a lawyer in Berlin, has specialised in representing SCHUFA victims for many years. With careful preparation, we can often achieve the deletion of unauthorised entries within 1 to 3 weeks.
SCHUFA scoring and your rights
SCHUFA scoring is not only based on negative entries, but also on so-called ‘soft’ criteria such as:
- Number of credit cards
- current accounts with overdraft interest
- Existing mobile phone or electricity contracts
According to SCHUFA, more than 500,000 information requests are made every day, and not all of them are always correct. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) gives you rights to defend yourself against unauthorised entries or incorrect data. Take advantage of these opportunities!
Visit Dr Thomas Schulte’s website at www.dr-schulte.de. There you will find comprehensive information and further articles on legal issues related to SCHUFA entries and data protection.
Find out more about the deletion of residual debt relief from the SCHUFA here and read up on the current deletion periods at credit reporting agencies here.
The law firm also provides insights into relevant rulings, such as the liability of banks in cases of fraud here or legal developments in SCHUFA scoring here.
Dr Schulte will support you with his many years of experience and legal expertise – contact him now!