Ban pre-filled application forms

doberryfirkin

My first post!
I don't know about other members but receiving junk mail application forms from credit card and utility companies which already have names and addresses filled in makes me mad. We are frequently warned about identity theft, isn't this simply helping the criminal? I noted recently the excellent petition run at this site to seek to ban credit adverts to youngsters, perhaps we can get some movement behind the banning of pre-filled application forms on the basis of security?
What does anyone think?
D

Smiley_Mum

I've received pre filled application forms in the past for credit cards etc, I've always shredded them straight away. I've had my ID stolen in the past and thankfully it didn't take too much to sort it out and my credit files etc were fine too afterwards. I know that this isn't always the case. I agree that pre filled applications are not a good thing. I would urge everyone who receives them to be very careful in how they dispose of them, shred them ideally, don't just pitch into the bin. Check all junk mail before disposing of it, to ensure that your details are not inserted on forms within catalogues etc too.

wealthsaver

doberryfirkin wrote:

Perhaps we can get some movement behind the banning of pre-filled application forms on the basis of security?
What does anyone think?
D

I Agree wholeheartedly. It makes me mad to receive junk mail at the best of times despite being registered with MPS. Also these forms that contain your name and address is asking for trouble. Like the o.p. I shred or burn them.

Might be worth registering with MPS if you haven't already!

Ian

postingalwaysposting

absolutly....i hate it, i am young and have at least 4 per week and it makes me mad :mad: I usually pile them up and sort through all the junk mail on my day off just to check none are pre filled but most are. not only are people helping you get into debt but they are also filling in the forms for you too

mhendo

Can I just ask what is the difference between your name & address appearing in the address window of an envelope, and the very same name & address printed on an application form within the very same envelope?

Its not giving out any additional information to what is already displayed clearly on the front of the envelope.

lipidicman

mhendo wrote:

Can I just ask what is the difference between your name & address appearing in the address window of an envelope, and the very same name & address printed on an application form within the very same envelope?

Its not giving out any additional information to what is already displayed clearly on the front of the envelope.

Oh dont get me started. I am so worried about fraud that I insist that all mail sent to me is unaddressed. For any mail that does have my name on I have tried to cover my tracks by removing my house number and the street sign down at the corner! :rolleyes:

Robert_Sterling

Only ban "unsolicited" pre-filled application forms.

abe999

Totally agree too. I have had my identity stolen and obvious things like credit card applications is an easy target for fraudsters.

lipidicman

Shred your envelopes, shred your forms, shred notes you make of account numbers.....

...filled in, unfilled.....they are all hampster bedding!

doberryfirkin

mhendo wrote:

Can I just ask what is the difference between your name & address appearing in the address window of an envelope, and the very same name & address printed on an application form within the very same envelope?

I think the point is that the application form associates you with a specific card, utility etc and implies some form of credit check - which they must have done to get to the point of sending to you or even that you are a customer. This isn't clear by looking at the N&A in the 'window'. Whilst suggesting shredding is an answer, I don't see why the onus is on the victim to take care rather than the perpetrator.

micheleen

If you register with the Mailing Preference Service then you'll get very little junk mail, only from companies who you're already a customer of :rudolf: