someones keeps applying for loans using my address

TismE_3

I have had 2 letters from loan companys for someone who i dont know, they are trying to apply for personal loans, both loans have been approved, and the letters are for them to sign and send back.

I'm not sure what to do about it, any idea's anyone please?
Tisme x

Broken_hearted

Send it back not known at this address. Write down the details incase you get futher hassle.

TismE_3

I've opened them, first one by mistake as name wasn't showing, the second which came today i open because of what i found when i opened the first!
Both letters arrived this week.

Could this women really get a loan using my address? surely the companies would check her details.....

miss_spooky

You could actually ring both companies use ref number to access the account details and say that you don't know this person. They should then flag up that name for future credit checks.

This happened to a friend of mine recently, someone tried obtaining credit using her details from a dating website, luckily she doesn't use her first name so it was declined. I know it's slightly different to what's happened to you but with all this id theft etc you have to be so careful. Also if you do nothing you could be liable in the future if any applications are granted. This did happen to my mum & the first she new about it was an account statement asking for payment. She called the co and they were brill.

Sussex_Green_Man

The same thing has happened to me (ie 2 letters, the first of which I opened in error) stating that a loan had been made available to a person at my address who, to the best of my knowledge, has never lived here.

I think this is a marketing scam as it has all the grubby hallmarks. The letter's tone is just too chatty. TismE, was the loan offered in the letters you received for £2000 at 53.9% APR (you'd have to be mad or desperate) from a loan company with a 3 letter name?

I am registered with the MPS so clearly they can't send unsolicited marketing mail about exorbitant loans to me but they can send mail to a non-existent person at my address. They are probably counting on most people opening by mistake. Having done so and seeing the word loan, you are hardly likely to not read it. Notice how the top half of the covering letter (the first thing you see) presents this information in such a way that you are almost guaranteed to read it.

So finding this thread has reassured me somewhat, and I don’t think we need to be so worried. However, if this is a kind of direct marketing tactic it is grossly irresponsible, given the worry that it will undoubtedly cause a lot of the householders. Again, if it is marketing then it would be pointless complaining to the loan company itself as it has already proven itself to be thoughtless.

Perhaps we should compare notes and work out to whom we should complain?
If it’s happening on a significant scale, there must be some people that don't open the letters and who put them back in the post with an RTS. If so, the Post Office returns department must know this is happening.

tullys

Not wanting to hi-jack this thread but something along these lines has started to happen myself and a friend.

I've received SIM cards from GiffGaff & TMobile and a Holiday brochure
addressed to apparently made-up names in my case "Upton Dennis" was the addressee.

These aren't previous residents of this address, we've been here > 12 months and familiar with the previous owners and tennants.

This in itself isn't too much of a concern; GiffGaff have a top-referrers programme (giffgaff.com/spread) this gives 500points/£5 for each new customer, so GiffGaff subscribers can send out SIM cards to anyone and hope they activate the card. I believe most carriers operate similar schemes (though only GiffGaff is so accessible to customers).

GiffGaff have responded to my concerns but have yet to come to a conclusion.

As I say non of this seems too concerning, but a friend had already had a unsolicited GiffGaff card sent to another made-up name (a different name and as it wasn't my address I won't list it here). They also received a 'money for gold' letter to this addressee (which apparently had a referral number) and most worryingly an invoice for un-paid rent. The invoice issue was resolved by contacting the landlord.

Does anyone know of a effective way to stop this kind of thing?

cymro77

I work in stopping this kind of thing and can confirm its probably fraud by using your address as a drop off address for their fraudulent loans. Its pretty standard stuff. As they missed intercepting the mail before it was delivered be aware theres a chance that either more mail will come or youll get a knock from the fraudster claiming they used your address by mistake or something along those lines and ask you to hand them over. Take copies of the letters and contact the companies stating this person is using your address for fraud as he/she has never lived there. Hope this helps.

Hannah_10

What else it could be is automated junk mail. It might be that her name is still on a mailing list somewhere because she did once live where you live now.

I have seen a lot of junk mail that says your loan has been approved just sign this and send it back to accept. They especially do it to people who they know already have financial problems. Vanquis credit cards are another.

Culex

cymro77 wrote: »

I work in stopping this kind of thing and can confirm its probably fraud by using your address as a drop off address for their fraudulent loans. Its pretty standard stuff. As they missed intercepting the mail before it was delivered be aware theres a chance that either more mail will come or youll get a knock from the fraudster claiming they used your address by mistake or something along those lines and ask you to hand them over. Take copies of the letters and contact the companies stating this person is using your address for fraud as he/she has never lived there. Hope this helps.

Isn't it more likely that the the fraudster's redirection mandate with the Royal Mail has expired without being renewed?

If that's what has happened, the fraudster could have run up debts over several months. :eek:

Culex

Hannah_10 wrote: »

I have seen a lot of junk mail that says your loan has been approved just sign this and send it back to accept. They especially do it to people who they know already have financial problems. Vanquis credit cards are another.

Of course, they do not send out unsolicited credit cards as that would be illegal.