CIFAS - Application Fraud

goaroundnow

Hi All,

I wondered if anybody could shed some light on some things.

After a SAR request to CIFAS, I have discovered that Barclaycard have registered an entry against me for Application Fraud - non-disclosure of address with adverse history.

This is incorrect as the address in question was from at least 8 years prior. I was also not aware that there was anything registered there anymore (adverse or otherwise). If I haven't lived there for 8 (or more) years, there is no requirement to put it on the form. I cannot imagine what information they have found which makes them believe that I was living there in the 3 years previous to my application.

My questions are these:

1) This was added to the CIFAS database in June 2011. Does anybody know when it will "drop" off. I am under the impression it is 12/13 months (unless fraud continues - which of course it hasn't). If it takes longer to go automatically, I will be writing to Barclaycard immediately.

2) Is the CIFAS database updated dynamically (i.e. all the time like credit files) or is it only monthly, for example?

3) Since this CIFAS has been registered, I have changed banks, got credit cards, new mortgage and loan. I thought that an entry such as this would prevent any of that happening. It was my new bank, in fact, that heavily hinted there was something flagging up on me which always required further checks. As I couldn't see anything on my credit file, I wrote to CIFAS. The bank, however, seem to have disregarded it as they have provided me with generous facilities. Doesn't this seem strange?

4) I am linked to the address in question at the credit agencies (last link about 2003 - which is a fair reflection on when I last had dealings with that address) and I cannot see any information whatsoever held here. Any clues?

5) Why when I made applications previous to the Barclaycard one (e.g. mortgage in Feb 2011), did they not find this adverse information or believe that I had omitted addresses (which I hadn't) - could it be that Barclays have "internal" information on me which I suppose can last longer than the 6 years that shows on credit files.

All-in-all, the (unknown to me) presence of this CIFAS marker against my name for the last year, doesn't seem to have caused me too many issues. Could it be that when these extra checks are done by new lenders that they overlook a marker such as this?

Thanks in advance.

Buzby

Not really, CIFAS is a commercial database and only warns its clients - who ar able to use their discretion whether to act on the information or not. To rectify this erroneous info you need to get the firm placing the incorrect data to rectify it.

giblet10

Did you have any suspicion that CIFAS had adverse data on you - as you say you've successfully received other credit since the CIFAS was added and it doesn't show on your CRA reports, if I've read your comments correctly - but I'm curious as to why you SAR'd CIFAS in the first place.

Generally speaking CIFAS is difficult to deal with as an individual. Unlike a convicted murderer, or recipient of a parking ticket even, you have no right of appeal with CIFAS. Only Barclaycard can decide what to do here although if you get no joy with them then perhaps the Office of Fair Trading can help.

This recent BBC News story highlights my information further:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-18540832

savagej

The CIFAS database, is on-line and works in real time so it can be updated at a seconds notice.

There is no need to wait weeks for it to be changed, what is needed is the impetuous by CIFAS and the bank to have the marker removed if it was applied incorrectly half as quickly (a minute) as it took them to put it on there.

But their mission is to stop fraud, not for a fair service with a right of appeal. CIFAS state for an entry to be added there much be enough evidence to hand it to the Police. Perhaps they should have to arrange to have that done and if no conviction if forthcoming the marker is automatically removed.

As I was quite shocked when I found out they must have the amount of evidence it would take to win a court case, so they say.

goaroundnow

Hi

Thanks

I had no idea CIFAS had an entry against me until somebody at my current bank heavily hinted so. They did this when I enquirer as to why all my applications seem to refer.

Since the CIFAS marker was on there (unbeknown to me), I have got a new bank account, loan, credit card and bought a second property.

Quite what makes Barclycard think I was present at this erroneous address within the last few years, when other lenders have not, is strange.

I am going to send my letter to them today as there is no way they could prove I was living there - as I wasn't!!