My ex is using my address to get credit

Tigger2808

Can anyone give me some advice please?

Last week I opened a letter by mistake that was addressed to my ex. It was from a debt collection company saying he owed £1700. My ex left here 17 months ago and I know he didn't have this debt when he left here. He used to come here and collect post but hasn't done so for months. There is a pile of post here for him that I have not opened but now I'm really suspicious as one of the letters is from a credit card company (the company name is on the envelope) and by the feel of it there is a card in the envelope. I know he didn't use this company when he lived here. I've also had a letter addressed to "the occupier" which was from a debt company for another debt he didn't have when he lived here.

I now believe he's applied for credit with at least 3 companies since he left. I'm pretty sure this won't affect my credit rating (perhaps people in the know can advise?) but I'm really angry that he's applying for credit and getting into debt using my address as he has no intention of paying. Is there anything I can do to stop this? I'm tempted to open all the letters that are here but I guess that's illegal?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

SammenForLivet2

Is he listed as a financial associate on your credit report? If yes, he will affect your credit rating, otherwise, no it shouldn't.

I would recommend you check all three credit agencies.

Gingernutty

Sorry, just bumping this thread up above the sports shoe spam.

Don't mind me......:o

dealer_wins

I would advise the loan companies of his address, employment, any telephone numbers you have for him and any other useful info if you have it.

platterfish

Don't open it, its illegal, send all the mail back as not at this address, then check your credit file for a financial link, Noddle is free and obtain the 2 quid report from experian and equifax

molerat

platterfish wrote: »

Don't open it, its illegal, send all the mail back as not at this address, then check your credit file for a financial link.

No it is not, the rest is sound though.

gb12345

platterfish wrote: »

Don't open it, its illegal

My God, the number of people who come out with this crap. Do you have evidence that opening other people's mail is illegal?

zagfles

gb12345 wrote: »

My God, the number of people who come out with this crap. Do you have evidence that opening other people's mail is illegal?

It is if it's "to their detriment and without reasonable excuse".

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/26/section/84

zagfles

Do you claim any benefits or tax credits? If so this could result in an enquiry as there'll be a financial link to your ex - this could cause you problems. Suggest you contact the lenders sending him mail saying he doesn't live there, or just write "return to sender not known at this address" and postthem - should have the same effect...rather than letting him pick them up.

gb12345

zagfles wrote: »

It is if it's "to their detriment and without reasonable excuse".

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/26/section/84

Which the OP is not doing.

If he's going to paste information then at least he should give the full story rather than causing the OP worry with partial statements.