Someone has been using my name for 15yrs!

me+3

I got my credit report today to find someone else on there, they have 3 credit cards and 3 mail order companies and a bank account that they are still using.

I know who the person is, they moved into my old house 15 years ago but thats the only connection, i know them by name and reputation but not personally. What i dont understand is how they have done it, on the credit report they are listed as there own name as an alias to mine and then it says my own name and my maiden name, but she has used her own date of birth on some of them?

Her name is also listed on the electoral register next to mine which i dont understand either. I thought she had used my name to get the credit but now i have calmed down and looked properly she has done it somehow with her own name? Is this person clever and knows what they are doing? All of the accounts she has opened using my previous address. There are also searches on there in her name for mobile contracts just last month!!

I have reported to equifax online and am going to the banks first thing in the morning but what else do i need to do? Equifax said they would be in touch with the police but i should i go down there and do it myself?

I'm so angry with myself for letting it get to this, i should have checked my file alot sooner!!

TIA for any replies

matttye

I don't think she's done anything here... it seems like Equifax has cocked up and put her data on your file.

Think about it. She's using her own name, date of birth and address. She couldn't possibly have stolen your identity.

This is a bog standard CRA bodge up and it's Equifax that should put it right.

Have you checked your Experian and Noddle reports to see if there's any on them too? I doubt there will be but it's worth checking.

matttye

Just to emphasise the point, THIS WOMAN HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING WRONG.

tinkerbell28

Woahhhhhhhhh Equifax, yes EQUIFAX.

Are terrible at mixing up people credit files for years and I'm talking over a decade by putting on wrong alias information, associate, or generally just blending your reports from the old address with others.

Sounds like what has happened here. So before you go running to the police, I'd be looking at getting the ICO/FOS book thrown at EQUIFAX for holding incorrect info. They won't just remove it, as required by law, you'll have to start official proceedings.

rizla_king

me+3 wrote: »

What i dont understand is how they have done it, on the credit report they are listed as there own name as an alias to mine and then it says my own name and my maiden name, but she has used her own date of birth on some of them?

Her name is also listed on the electoral register next to mine which i dont understand either. I thought she had used my name to get the credit but now i have calmed down and looked properly she has done it somehow with her own name?

If an alias, then they have maybe put your name down as an alternative or previous name when making credit applications, and by doing so have used your credit history to piggyback on.

Or Equifax have right royally fu**ed up as is usual.

Take Equifax to the FOS and ICO if they refuse to remove the link.

me+3

I have checked experian and nothing is showing up there, its all perfect. Have also done noddle where the only thing on there is a link to my old addess in 2003, i moved out 1998.

Not really sure what to do now to be honest, there are a couple of things on equifax where my DOB has been used and but majority of things are her own DOB.

What would my next steps be? Thanks for the help so far

rizla_king

If that name has never been an alias of yours then Equifax need to remove it and all data associated with it. Tell them that you will be taking the matter to the FOS and ICO if they refuse and will ask for compensation. They will probably still refuse with all sorts of bull, but they have a duty to remove it if incorrect.

tinkerbell28

If your other reports are fine, it is clearly an EQUIFAX problem as per usual.

She has not done anything wrong, if she had you would see stuff on your other reports.

DCFC79

me+3 wrote: »

Not really sure what to do now to be honest,

What would my next steps be? Thanks for the help so far

As been mentioned, contact the FOS and the ICO.

rizla_king

Sequence of events.

1. You complain.
2. Equifax then prove what useless muppets they are by rejecting your complaint.
3. You complain again saying that you will go to the FOS and ICO.
4. Equifax continue to be muppets.
5. Go to the FOS and ICO who should tear them off a strip and maybe award you some financial redress.

spacey2012

Even if someone uses your identity to steal from banks or anyone else, you are not the victim, the organisation that has suffered the loss is the victim of the crime and they have full responsibility to check they are dealing with the rights person.
banks and others love pushing the Identity theft myth, even selling insurance against a risk that did not exist, although they are having to refund this now.

They will gladly let you adopt the debt, but in our law, the victim is always the one who has suffered loss in financial terms.
Never let them pull it over.