Debt not his?!

gerturdeanna

Hi

Wonder if anyone can help - my brother-in-law called me in floods of tears before as his wife's son has been taking out credit in his name again and he now has bailiff letters etc!

He has had this issue in the past and called the police on him, but doesn't want to go so this time due to issues with his wife!

He has called the debt companies who send him letters and explained that its not him, but his step son - the name, DOB and address all match my BIL, just the mobile numbers and delivery addresses differ.

The debt companies want him to prove that he didn't live at the delivery address at that time etc. He has sent bank statements etc but they say they haven't received them - he is really stressing out and doesn't cope very well with stress etc.

What can we do to help him? Are there any 'proof its me' letters or 'bog off, its not mine' letters etc??

He has told us tonight that he has called the police and they will be taking a statement tomorrow so I'm sure he can then give the debt companies a crime reference number.

fermi

Prove it letter that may need adapting a bit to explain about circumstances and include the crime ref number.

Letter when you know nothing about about the debt - AKA "Prove it" letter

happygirl148

First of all he has done the right thing telling the police and passing on the crime number to the companies will surely help in this case as they can not make him pay a debt that is a result of identity fraud .

Make sure the police properly log it as identity fraud in the report and get you BIL to write to each company involved stating the debt is a result of identity fraud , has been reported to the police and include the crime number and make sure he sends the letters recorded so the companies can't say they have never received the letters.

It says on CIFAS website -
http://www.cifas.org.uk/avoid_being_a_victim

If I do become a victim, who can help me to sort it out?

If you discover fraud, don't panic but do act quickly:

Immediately alert any organisations you know to be involved. They will tell you whether you need to contact the police. For example, if debit or credit cards, online banking or cheques are involved, your first step should be to contact your bank or credit card company.

Alert one of the three credit reference agencies. They will help you review your credit report and identify any fraudulent entries, and will contact all of the organisations involved for you. They will also notify the other two credit reference agencies so they too can offer help.


Consider getting a CIFAS Protective Registration For a small fee, a warning will alert most lenders to the fraud so that they can take extra care when dealing with credit applications in your name.