Can I prevent fraud by blocking my credit file?

M0001

Hi,

A long time ago I heard Martin on the radio talking about preventing credit fraud. He said there was a way of writing to the relevanmt agencies and this would ensure they would have to contact you before furhter credit agreements could be accepted. I can't remember how you go about this, but since I don't plan on getting any additional credit / mortgages in the medium term so I would really like to do this. Has anybody got any ideas what I do please?

[Deleted User]

Yes - if you contact the CRAs, they can make sure that applications have to be checked.

bengalknights

You would have to contact the CRAs to put a note on file

Anthorn

M0001 wrote: »

Hi,

A long time ago I heard Martin on the radio talking about preventing credit fraud. He said there was a way of writing to the relevanmt agencies and this would ensure they would have to contact you before furhter credit agreements could be accepted. I can't remember how you go about this, but since I don't plan on getting any additional credit / mortgages in the medium term so I would really like to do this. Has anybody got any ideas what I do please?

I disagree with the foregoing replies. The CRAs don't do anything except publish reporting from lemders and investigate inaccuracies. Probably the best way to do what you want is a CIFAS marker. But I don't think it can be done on request if you haven't been a victim of fraud.

David_White

Sounds like you're describing a CIFAS fraud marker.

For what it's worth I wouldn't recommend doing this.

A few years back I was the victim of identity theft and ended up with one of these markers. For the next year I found it very difficult to even get approved for a mobile phone contract as their systems weren't sophisticated enough to recognize the marker and would just decline instead.

Why not just be vigilant, shred your paperwork before disposing and keep track of your credit file each month?

Helvetica_Van_Buren

Anthorn wrote: »

I disagree with the foregoing replies. The CRAs don't do anything except publish reporting from lemders and investigate inaccuracies. Probably the best way to do what you want is a CIFAS marker. But I don't think it can be done on request if you haven't been a victim of fraud.

Yet again Anthorn is wrong.

Read this link:

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

It explains how you can add a notice of correction to your credit file held with Experian and what you put must be considered by lenders. I'd guess that other credit references agencies have a similar system.

In theory, it's for explaining specific situations, such as why you incurred a default, or late payment etc. But, maybe you could use it for the purpose you seek - I think the main requirement is that the information you are asking to be included be correct and true.

The main point being, CRAs do slightly more than Anthorn stated.

Experian_company_representative

Hi M0001,


As Helvetica has mentioned you can indeed add a notice of correction to your report. To help prevent fraud you can include a password request in the notice.


This is a brief statement that explains that you are worried about fraud and requesting that a company asks you to confirm a password (previously chosen by you) before processing any credit application made in your name.


The company should then ask the applicant for the password before proceeding with the application.


To do this you would need to have first obtained a copy of your report from us so that we can confirm your ID, and then email or write to us to request the password notice of correction.


There are other steps that you can also take to help protect your ID, we cover these in more detail here http://www.experian.co.uk/consumer/identity-protection.html


Kind regards
Neil

MEM62

M0001 wrote: »

Hi,

A long time ago I heard Martin on the radio talking about preventing credit fraud. He said there was a way of writing to the relevanmt agencies and this would ensure they would have to contact you before furhter credit agreements could be accepted. I can't remember how you go about this, but since I don't plan on getting any additional credit / mortgages in the medium term so I would really like to do this. Has anybody got any ideas what I do please?

Unless you have a specific reason to suspect that you are at risk, you are trying solve a problems that doesn't exist.