Confuse about Cifas Flag

jay78

I have a CIFAS flag on my online Experian Credit report. The flag is not from my current address but my old address which I have not lived in for over a year and the supposed fraud took place after I had moved out. It doesn't actually give the number of the flat just the name and street.

I am concerned that when I apply for credit it will not automatically go through. Can they put a Cifas flag on my credit report even though it doesn't actually stipulate my old address? I.e. can they put a flag on a building as opposed to an actual address?

Anyone had any experience of this?

Thanks

YorkshireBoy

CIFAS frequently asked questions

jay78

11. How long is a CIFAS warning on the CIFAS Database?
The time a CIFAS warning remains on the CIFAS database depends on how long the fraudulent activity continues. Members are able to extend the time a warning is placed against an address to protect the address from fraud. In all cases, the warning remains on the database for at least a year from the date of the most recent fraud.

Ok so I get that this warning is apparently there to help protect me. Does anyone have experience of their CIFAS warning being removed after a year?

mrmajika

Hi

I work for a bank and have some experience in dealing with CIFAS. Generally they are put on people's accounts if fraud has occurred at the address they live at or have previously lived at. I have even heard of whole streets being flagged due to the postman stealing the mail !!

I'm not sure of timescales to be honest but I know of people who have been flagged for years. In my experience, it is a pain. It does mean that each and every credit application you go through will involve extra checks. These can be conducted via telephone. It just means that instant decisions on, for example, internet applications won't be given straight away.

Hope This Helps

jay78

mrmajika wrote: »

Hi

I work for a bank and have some experience in dealing with CIFAS. Generally they are put on people's accounts if fraud has occurred at the address they live at or have previously lived at. I have even heard of whole streets being flagged due to the postman stealing the mail !!

I'm not sure of timescales to be honest but I know of people who have been flagged for years. In my experience, it is a pain. It does mean that each and every credit application you go through will involve extra checks. These can be conducted via telephone. It just means that instant decisions on, for example, internet applications won't be given straight away.

Hope This Helps

Thanks

I just do not see why they have to flag a whole building!!! Are we all fraudsters?

watcherman

I have a CIFAS flag for my protection. Someone applied for an Egg card fraudulently in my name. Egg placed a CIFAS flag on my details. Not a major thing, I usually apply for cards online, and if I get contacted at all it's usually just a quick phone call to verify a few things, no biggie

3Catsmad

Hi,

I've just had a recent return on my credit file which notes 4, yes 4 CIFAS Markers on my account, all logged by two specific companies!!

I've written to them and requested further information and confirmed that it was me in question. In their response, they stated that they were logged due to failure to disclose a previous address however, all details requested by the car sales person, I provided!!

Due to the markers, I am having difficulty in obtaining credit as companies don't seem to except my perfectly simple explanation of this.

Any suggestions/assistance in this matter would be gratefully received as I'm now desperate!!!

Thanks.

mystery07

Just seen this post. As was thinking that I might email the MSE team to suggest they write an article on it.

I too had a couple of issues with credit last year, so got my credit report. To my surprise there were 2 names on there (re my previous address) With CIFAS flags. CRA told me they couldnt be removed etc etc.....& since then Im still having problems obtaining any credit, even though the rest of my file is spotless.

For me, it is the only explanation as to why I have been declined for credit. I do find it interesting though, that others dont seem to have had a problem?!

Very strange

vix2000

Does anyone have any advice on this, as it seems very unfair if misinformation cannot be corrected.

seagles_2

CIFAs is there to protect you. I have one on an address I lived in back in 1987. It specifically mentions the name of the person who had "fraudalent" financial irregularities. I have never had any problem getting credit cards etc.

Raptor.

:rotfl:

jay78

mystery07 wrote: »

Just seen this post. As was thinking that I might email the MSE team to suggest they write an article on it.

I too had a couple of issues with credit last year, so got my credit report. To my surprise there were 2 names on there (re my previous address) With CIFAS flags. CRA told me they couldnt be removed etc etc.....& since then Im still having problems obtaining any credit, even though the rest of my file is spotless.

For me, it is the only explanation as to why I have been declined for credit. I do find it interesting though, that others dont seem to have had a problem?!

Very strange

I now have a second flag on my credit report by some other deviant trying to falsely extort funds. It's unbelievable! I am planning to apply for credit soon, so I will soon see what effect if any this will have on my application.