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.

spacey2012

No it will not affect your credit rating, but opening other peoples mail will cause no end of trouble and worry.
Put it all back in the post box marked "no such person lives here return to sender"

PaulW922

What an awful situation for you. On the basis that none of this credit relates to any joint accounts or something that you yourself did not guarantee then as stated above , you are not liable. However that does not stop people hassling you. Doubtless many will advise you to ignore debt collectors but in your case I would be wary of that. If your ex has opened credit accounts recently, why would a debt collection firm at face value believe he isn't there!?

I suggest as Spacey2012 says that you either return the mail unopened or alternatively send it back with a covering note advising your ex left xx months ago and you do not know where he now is. Do NOT put a phone number on any correspondence. I think that whilst you are within your rights to ignore correspondence from debt firms, doing so may cause you unwanted grief. It is best to be pragmatic about these things.

Next, check your credit file at Experian and Equifax to get an idea of the extent of his debt at your address. At the same time, check you are not still financially linked to him at the agencies and if necessary, get the link deleted. There is advice at the Experian and Equifax websites on how to do it

If it turns out that you do have any joint accounts that are still live get them closed ASAP. You do not need his consent.

Finally, if your ex is still applying for credit at your address you can ask Experian and Equifax to put a CIFAS (fraud) marker on file. That will hopefully stop future applications being approved. There is a slight disadvantage in that if you then apply for instant credit any lender will examine your application manually,to ensure it is really you and not him. That may cause a delay but is probably worth it.

If you find this too much or are not sure, then the Citizens Advice Bureau can make you an appointment with a debt expert who can help you out.

And with respect to Spacey2012' don't worry about opening those letters. If you have grounds to believe you are being affected in this way it is quite reasonable. It is not as though the postman accidentally sent someone else's post to your address.

Jonboy_1984

Do as Paul said and check your credit files but do not subscribe to their services just purchase the £2 statutory one off reports.

Is you ex on the electoral roll at your address? if so you will need to contact your local council elections office and get him removed.

PaulW922

Jonboy_1984 wrote: »

Do as Paul said and check your credit files but do not subscribe to their services just purchase the £2 statutory one off reports.

Is you ex on the electoral roll at your address? if so you will need to contact your local council elections office and get him removed.

Excellent idea. Electoral roll data will show up on the credit reports

Thrugelmir

Do you have a joint mortgage on the property?

Gordon_Hose

Stuff all his post back in the mail box marked "Not known at this address".

However, it probably won't stop the letters coming, unfortunately.