Identity Fraud
Identity Fraud is a leading cause of bad credit ratings
Identity Fraud
If you're a victim
If you spot something on your credit file that you don't recognise, or receive post or bills for services that you've not ordered, contact the organisation involved as soon as possible and ask for an explanation.
If you find a suspicious transaction on your credit card or bank statement, query it with your bank - this will alert them that there may be a risk of fraud, and they will take the matter very seriously.
If you've confirmed that someone is definitely using your identity, it may be necessary to close all your existing accounts and re-open them. Your bank or credit company will help you with this as it's in their interests to end the fraud too.
You can also ask that your credit file includes a note that you've been a victim of fraud. This will be seen by all credit companies who you apply to in the future, and will alert them to be extra cautious with any application to ensure that it's genuine. You can also register with CIFAS who will add you to their database of 'at risk' cases, another added layer of protection.
It will be a good idea to locate all your important documents such as passport, drivers licence, etc, to make sure that none of them have gone missing.
Check with Royal Mail that no one has set up a mail redirect on your address. Make sure that your post delivery is secure - for example, any letterbox in a communal area is lockable.
Finally, remember that you are not liable for any debts run up by fraudsters - once you can show that fraud has happened, the debt will be cancelled and any costs incurred refunded. The only cost you will have to bear is that of your time and worry in sorting the mess out.
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