CIFAS record on my credit report

JayZed

I've just noticed that there is a CIFAS record on my credit report. It refers to a false identity fraud committed by someone using my previous address. Neither my name nor my wife's is on the record, and the fraud took place after we had left that address.

I realise that it's not something that should reflect on my personal credit history or status, but just wondering whether there's any possibility that this might affect my credit profile with any future lenders?

jonesMUFCforever

It should not - what is likely to happen is that any instant decision for credit might be deferred until someone has checked manually what's on there.

Paul_Herring

jonesMUFCforever wrote: »

It should not - what is likely to happen is that any instant decision for credit might be deferred until someone has checked manually what's on there.

Unless it's a company that automatically rejects applications requiring a manual check so early in the application.

JayZed

If that's the case, can I get it removed from my credit file? It's annoying that my access to credit should be affected by something that had nothing whatsoever to do with me, especially as I was no longer living at that address.

jonesMUFCforever

Sometimes a note of correction will make things worse.
I would speak to Experian or whichever CRA this is one, and ask for advice.

bert&ernie

Paul_Herring wrote: »

Unless it's a company that automatically rejects applications requiring a manual check so early in the application.

If you have evidence of this happening, you should pass it on to CIFAS
Here is a quote from their website (emphasis is mine):

How is CIFAS information used?

A CIFAS Member that receives a CIFAS warning from the system is not allowed automatically to refuse an application or to close a facility because of the warning. They are required to make further enquiries to confirm your personal identification details before making a decision. If they identify a fraud, they will normally not proceed with an application or may review a facility or employment. However, there are occasions when, even though a CIFAS warning is present and your personal identification details have been properly confirmed, your application will not be approved. This is because your application is still subject to the Member’s standard checks and decision-making policies and you may not meet them. You may ask the Member why they have declined your facility. The Member will normally be able to provide you with an explanation and provide you with details of any credit reference agencies or fraud prevention agencies they have used.