Identity Fraud
Discussion
Just wondering if anyone has any experience of this and has any advice?
Basically last week my wife started receiving letters in the post with new debit cards, credit cards and various details of new accounts taken out in her name. They've actually been taken out in her maiden name, not that this matters too much. Anyway, she has spent quite a significant amount of time closing the accounts and making arrangement for any further applications under her name to be rejected.
1) What use is this to the fraudster? All the cards, PINs and details have come to our address. How do they access these new accounts.
2) Other than financial 'stuff' is there anything else they could have taken out in her name?
3) How could they have got access to all her details? They have her date of birth but not her mother's maiden name and email addresses.
4) Presumably this means any applications for credit will be a ball ache in the future? It's not an issue as she doesn't borrow money, but was wondering if it will be a problem come mortgage renewal time.
Basically last week my wife started receiving letters in the post with new debit cards, credit cards and various details of new accounts taken out in her name. They've actually been taken out in her maiden name, not that this matters too much. Anyway, she has spent quite a significant amount of time closing the accounts and making arrangement for any further applications under her name to be rejected.
1) What use is this to the fraudster? All the cards, PINs and details have come to our address. How do they access these new accounts.
2) Other than financial 'stuff' is there anything else they could have taken out in her name?
3) How could they have got access to all her details? They have her date of birth but not her mother's maiden name and email addresses.
4) Presumably this means any applications for credit will be a ball ache in the future? It's not an issue as she doesn't borrow money, but was wondering if it will be a problem come mortgage renewal time.
I'd recommend using Experia 's 30 day free trail of their credit report service. In case there are cards that were taken out and made their way to other addresses? They also have a service that sends alerts when there are further actions on your credit record such as new card applications.
I have no connection with Experian. I used their 30 day free trail some years ago and very nearly continued with it - but wasn't having credit issues at the time. But if I were in your position I'd use the service for a year as a safeguard. It isn't expensive compared to the potential amount of time you would save by nipping a fraudulent credit application in the bud.
I think they also give members advice on dealing with removal of fraudulent applications? Good luck to you both!
I have no connection with Experian. I used their 30 day free trail some years ago and very nearly continued with it - but wasn't having credit issues at the time. But if I were in your position I'd use the service for a year as a safeguard. It isn't expensive compared to the potential amount of time you would save by nipping a fraudulent credit application in the bud.
I think they also give members advice on dealing with removal of fraudulent applications? Good luck to you both!
There was a serious burst in our development where mail was being stolen, both by a Royal mail employee and also out of letterboxes in communal lobbies.
You need to register with CIFAS
https://www.cifas.org.uk
Future credit checks will show the fraud attempt and put card issuers etc on notice
You need to register with CIFAS
https://www.cifas.org.uk
Future credit checks will show the fraud attempt and put card issuers etc on notice
Gassing Station | Finance | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff