Obtaining credit in false names

stuart30

Ok so yet another question regards credit file history.

I'm trying to clean up mine and my wife's credit file...we have noticed that my wife has two accounts she has never applied for.

J D Williams Account opened 13 December 2005 and Last updated
3 May 2011.

Shop Direct Account opened 18 December 2006 Last updated 18 November 2010.

Both have payments being made very randomly from being opened to when they were closed.

Both show as Closed accounts...but both have Current Balances.

Address shows as our current address which we have lived at since 2006...pretty damn sure with the very irregular payments the debt collectors would have come knocking or some sort of court action.

We both went bankrupt september 2010...so i'd imagine they would have been included if wife had applied for them.

The worrying thing is this...my late Mother (died Feb 2013) had credit cards/store cards and numerous cataloges in various names,some being the same surname as myself (her married name...been divorced 20yrs mind) her boyfriends name and several completely made up names.

I'm pretty sure looking back if my wife never opened these accounts,then it's a very strong possibility my late mother did.

Question is...as they are Closed accounts but showing Current balances,is it worth contacting these companies and asking who opened the accounts...i know my late mother wouldn't know my wife's maiden name or date of birth,something which i understand is asked for on applications as obviously we want them off her credit file.


I do know my late mother's maiden name and date of birth...just thinking if the silly old cow used her date of birth and maiden name would this be proof she fraudulently applied using my wife's name.

National_Debtline

Hi Stuart30,


If these debts are showing as in your wife's name they should've been included in her bankruptcy. These would be considered a qualifying debt and any qualifying debt that accrued before a bankruptcy would be included. There shouldn't be any defaults, balances or negative marks on the credit file, later than the date of bankruptcy in September 2010. The balances should also show as zero and if this is not the case then you/your wife could write to these creditors/ credit reference agencies and ask that any information be amended.


As far as the other issue is concerned, I think you will need more advice. Any debts that were taken out by your mother would need to be settled as part of her estate. If your mother had an estate and you have concerns about this then you would need some legal advice I am afraid - it is quite a complicated situation - probably too complicated for forum advice but I hope you get it all sorted. Good luck,


Laura
@natdebtline

stuart30

Thank you National Debtline for your reply.


Having thought about it,i guess its irrevant now as my late mother passed away 3 years ago and had no estate to pay debts.


So as the debts were registerd in my wifes name as you say they should have been included in bankruptcy...ive spoken to both creditors yesterday and one of the debt recovery departments was adiment they don't update credit file until they have been given proof you are discharged.


I thought once they were aware of the bankruptcy and updated there system (which they did as they were informed 6/09/2010 and updated there system 27/11/2010 and then updated credit file to show Balance owing £481 on 18/11/2010 which is still showing as current balance) then that was that.


Was also told "why worry as it will fall off credit report in 5 months anyway"...to say I find that attitude insulting is an understatement.

National_Debtline

It is an unusual situation where I would suggest that you can make a formal complaint if you feel you have received bad service. Unfortunately, the balance that is still showing is unlikely to be making much (if any) difference to your overall credit rating whilst the bankruptcy is also still on your file. However, it is incorrect information and according to the Information Commissioner the information on your credit file should be accurate. The ICO guidelines advise how information should be recorded: -

"Current balance

This information relates to the amount owed at a given point in time. (Once you were declared bankrupt then there was zero owed)."

"When an account is closed, the record should properly reflect the closing payment status of the account and any agreement between the parties. If you make a full or part payment and no further money is expected, the account should be closed unless you have agreed with your provider to continue your relationship.

Your record should be closed and marked as partially settled if:

The lender accepts final settlement of the account for less than the balance outstanding.

Your account is included in an insolvency such as a bankruptcy or IVA which is discharged / completed and less than the full amount is paid”

You could register a complaint with the debt collector in writing and if they still refuse to amend the information then escalate the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service and Information Commissioner.

Laura
@natdebtline