Fraudulent credit search

JamesN

hi all

I posted a couple years ago when someone or some company used my details to search for payday loans through a broker. The odd thing being they also used my contact information. No loans were ever taken out and so my only assumption is that it was a broker trying to con me out of some money by saying I owed them a fee.

The details were old and my bank account changed a few years back so I assumed they stopped at that point. Funny how they didn't chase for a payment...

My main gripe is that they have damaged my credit rating as no one looks on these pay day loans as favourable credit. I'm looking at buying my first house soon which adds to matters. Not to mention my email inbox being full of offers for pay day loans.

Anyway, back to my starting line. The same thing has just happened again. I fear this may be a repetitive thing and was hoping someone could advise me on how to prevent it. It doesn't seem fair to have to pay for a service. I honestly believe it is a broker using my details to get a fee but I have no idea how I can prove this.

Not sure if this is the right section but please move if somewhere else is more appropriate.

Thanks all

vuvuzela

Try a CIFAS marker on your credit files https://www.cifas.org.uk/pr_for_individuals

Stevie_Palimo

I cant see this tbh as a loan broker would only look at your details if an application was made and will not just search anyone in the hopes of taking a fee, You need to look elsewhere on this one.

bris

You must have given your details to a broker in the first place. If it was a fraud attempt by phishing then it wouldn't just be searches.


You need to go back to the original source for answers. Some times people fill out forms on websites without realising the damage they are doing even though they decide not to go ahead at the time, the details are already submitted.

JamesN

To be clear, I've never applied for a loan. I have only ever given details when buying things online or using one of the 3 main providers of credit checks (e.g experian).

I'm a chartered accountant so I'd never touch one of those companies with a barge pole.

The odd thing is that really old information is being used. The address is from my parents house which I haven't been in since 2010.

Why would they use my contact information if it wasn't a broker? It just means they can't access accounts when the search was completed. The only incentive to do what's been done is if someone is taking a fee for doing it. If you google it others have posted similar stories.

I've not had a chance to call said broker yet but they haven't responded to two emails, seems odd to me that they would ignore it if they aren't without fault. I don't really want to use a cifas marker but may use it as a last resort. Can't see how it would work in practice though.

Thank you all for your responses thus far.