Can they do this?

lisyloo

How do you put your thumbprint on your credit file? (How is it free?)

You add a notice of correction to your credit file(s).
This is free (apart from the stamp to send the letter).

Where do you get the file from?

You don't physically "put" it on your file, but you send instructions to lenders by asking the credit reference agencies to add a "notice of correction" to your credit file.
I suggest you read the website as that explains it fully.

Once you have put a print down, how do insurers know you are who you say you are???

It's nothing to do with insurers.
It's to avoid someone getting credit in YOUR name (id theft) by picking up your signature/address and proof of address in the post.
If your individual thumprint is required for a credit application then no one but you can apply credit in your name.

Unless they kidnap you, cut your thumb off or steal your thumbprint - but I think that's getting a bit far-fetched.

If the OP's concern was id theft then this is a suggestion to avoid that.

Quentin

I have read the website.

You advise we should advise the OP:

lisyloo wrote:

we might be help on his concerns such as pointing to free id protection (I'm referrring to a thumbprint and notice on the credit file).

Your website redirects us to another website to get the thumbprint kit you advocate.

Costs £10.75. But can't see how this possibly helps the OP's query??

InsideInsurance

lisyloo wrote: »

It's to avoid someone getting credit in YOUR name (id theft) by picking up your signature/address and proof of address in the post.
If your individual thumprint is required for a credit application then no one but you can apply credit in your name.

Unless they kidnap you, cut your thumb off or steal your thumbprint - but I think that's getting a bit far-fetched.

There is no requirement for a lender to check with CRAs, though obviously most do.

Never heard of being able to put prints onto your file but even if you can it still doesnt STOP someone being able to get credit in your name, it just potentially make it harder by reducing the number of lenders they can approach

lisyloo

You advise we should advise the OP:

I would suggest that someone concerned about id theft look into this option - yes.

It is not my website.
No I don't advocate buying a thumbprint kit.
I would advocate going to a bank and asking them nicely if you can borrow theirs (free assuming you can get to a bank).
If you can't get to a bank but you're really keen then I'd suggest buying one much cheaper on ebay if you don't have any friends/family/company that can lend you one.

But can't see how this possibly helps the OP's query??

The OP is concerned about something.
I asked him what it was in post #12.
In post #19 you asked me about my suggestion, so I explained.

I have no connection at all with the website above and don't sell gel pads on ebay either, I'm just offering a suggestion that may be of interest to someone concerned about id theft as a result of their post being nicked.

lisyloo

This is what the site says

Lenders must take notice of this instruction. If a lender gives out any type of credit in your name and a thumbprint was not on the application, you are not liable.

Experian say they lenders MUST take account of it when you apply for credit.

http://www.experian.co.uk/consumer/faq/AR5.html#q473

I agree it doesn't stop people applying and if the lender doesn't check then it may not stop applications either, but the backstop is that it stops you for being liable.

BTW - I haven't bothered myself, but then I'm not too worried about the risks. I was offering as a suggestion to those who were worried about it.

InsideInsurance

lisyloo wrote: »

Hi InsideInsurance,

It's not my site but this is what it says

If you think the site its wrong, then it might be a good idea to let them know? but I do believe that you are not liable for fradulent applications.

On the basis there isnt even a requirement to check your CRA file then it is wrong

Now, do they have to follow it if they do check the CRA file, I dont know. The Experian rep that comes here can probably clarify if you message them. The link on Experian just says "they must take it into consideration" not that they must follow it

I got my new car on PCP from the dealer and no footprints, not even an ID check, appears on my CRA file despite the size of the credit. They asked for bank statements instead

lisyloo

ok that's fine, if you don't think it's of value then don't do it.

Some people think it is worth the effort for the amount of grief it could potentially avoid.
It's merely a suggestion - not a hanging offence :-)

Quentin

InsideInsurance wrote: »

I got my new car on PCP from the dealer and no footprints, not even an ID check......

You got away without giving finger prints or foot prints?????

As far as footprints go, maybe lisyloo can help us with suggestions on how to get free use of a footprint pad, or a link to a website she knows of where we can buy one of those!

======================================

Still don't quite understand how this lisyloo thumbprint kit helps the OP get over his rant over being asked to supply evidence of his credentials (none of which are credit related) by his insurer.

InsideInsurance

lisyloo wrote: »

ok that's fine, if you don't think it's of value then don't do it.

Some people think it is worth the effort for the amount of grief it could potentially avoid.
It's merely a suggestion - not a hanging offence :-)

Some people can also be miss sold things.

I am not saying its of no value, just it isnt as foolproof as the copy seems to be suggesting. Problem of saying this is flawless is that people let the guard down and stop being vigilant.

The normal route for protecting yourself via the CRAs is with a CIFAS password and with that, those signed up to CIFAS, MUST require the password but of cause there are those who lend who arent party to CIFAS so it isnt mandatory for them.

I'd be interested to get the Experian Rep's comment on this if its true or not as experians own site doesnt suggest it is (for those lenders than use CRAs)

lisyloo

Sorry, can't help you on the footprint pad or where you can buy one, but I'd suggest borrowing for free first, afterall that's MSE :-)

Still don't quite understand how this lisyloo thumbprint kit helps the OP get over his rant over being asked to supply evidence of his credentials (none of which are credit related) by his insurer.

I'll try to explain.
The OP was concerned about his details being lost in the post and being compromised.
One way they can be compromised is someone applying for credit and if they have the signature from his photocard as well as photo id and proof of address then they can apply for credit in his name - it's called ID theft as I'm sure you know.

If you read the website then the system is designed to require the OP's thumprint on a credit application, making id theft less likely and the OP not liable if it did happen.

Its merely a suggestion.

His rant did say that he was worried about his details being compromised although he was not specific about exactly how.
My suggestion didn't come out until you queried me about it, so if you don't like it being mentioned then why ask me about it in the first place?