Identity fraud

rebon

Hello Guy's
Unfortunately I am a victim of identity fraud basically over a number of years someone is using my details to apply for loans, open catalogue accounts and the like. I have always been able to cancel these attempts of fraud by ringing the said company direct.
However on Friday I received a letter from an online clothing company saying I owe them £285 I also received a letter from their debt collectors demanding payment, however I have never opened an account with them ever.

All the instances I have reported to the police over the years, but basically they are unable to help.
I of course rang the online clothing company and explained and they said if I send them a utility bill dated December 2011 they may squash the claim for money, apparently this particular account was opened in December 2011.

Anyhow I have goggled and searched everywhere for info to help me. It's a bit confusing to me but can a flag be put on my file with the 3 credit reference agencies to alert everyone that I have been a victim of identity fraud?
I don't want to pay a monthly fee if possible, I am also considering CIFAS protective registration that's cheap enough at £20 a year, but half the companies this guy has applied for credit are not listed

I have of course checked my CC and bank statements carefully and all is ok so obviously whoever is doing this only have my basic details as there is no suspicious activity there.

Anyhow Is it possible to protect myself without taking out insurance or paying a monthly fee? And if a flag can be put on my file will I still get credit or will it cause problems with any company that I shop with or apply for credit?
I don't mind it slowing the process down if it protects me but I obviously would like to have access to loans and credit if I ever needed to.




thx...rob
:mad:

DCFC79

Yes i believe a flag can be used, call the credit reference agencies and ask them what to do. It might take longer when making applications for credit etc as the flag would be on your file. You shouldnt have to pay for anything. You ahev to wonder where they got your details from eg your dob, place of birth etc to gain all this credit.

FraudBuster

Identity theft is when your personal details are stolen and identity fraud is when those details are used to commit fraud.

Report here:

http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/fraud_protection/identity_fraud

rebon

Thanks for the reply and I did report it.
Just very annoying and frustration that nothing seems to be able to be done to stop them

rebon

I have been asked by the company to send a utility bill as evidence where I live, I would think, but would you send it given their lack of security and checks?

rebon

I have always been able to cancel the loans and catalogue accounts in the past simply by ringing them up. This is the first time I have been asked to pay money for something I know nothing about. The hassle is enormous and very distressing.

I don't know who is doing it if it is the same person or otherwise.
The Police in the past have taken the view that it may be a scam from the loan company, don't think that is the case personally, however they have not taken any action. This time I think it's worse because I have a letter from a debt recovery firm wanting payment

I went to the Police station to see a officer, he said they can not get the company to give them the application details as it contravenes the data protection act, can you believe it I was shocked that the Police can not get that information without extraordinary measures and form filling, that is what they said anyway.
I am going to send the email tomorrow to the company with the utility bill attached, I will also ask them to give me a copy of the application they received in December 2011 and destroy the attachment when they have finished with it.

rebon

I would find out when I received a letter saying your application for a loan is successful, or you catalogue account is now open.

Luckily until now, they have asked for backup information from me or I have been lucky to ring them in time to stop it.

I am going to ask them tomorrow for the application detail but I don't know if they will tell me, if they do I am going to give the information to the Police.

It is worrying that anyone can do this with minimum information and I have to do all the running around to try and sort it

rebon

Sorry you are confused.
It's simple someone has stolen my identity, I have no idea how they got my details but they have. Also they are able to do this with minimum information (name, address and DOB) Where the money or goods would go I have no idea but identity fraud cost millions each year so I'm not alone.

It could be someone close I guess.

Whoever it is has never gained access to my bank accounts or credit cards so I don't need to change bank accounts.

Most of the loans were with companies who are not registered with CIFAS as previously stated. However I have decided to join their protective registration scheme.

All I am after really is some advise on whether it was worth getting a flag put on my file with the 3 credit reference agencies and if anyone had problems when they done so.

Again sorry you are confused and thanks for all the questions.

rebon

Thank you admin