Victim of identity fraud, and now it seems my Credit Score is dropping

peter_333

Over the last month I've been dealing with the fallout of identity fraud. Someone was stealing my mail and using info they found to impersonate me on the phone to various companies, getting personal information about me. Today, my Credit Sore on the MSE credit club updated, and it had dropped significantly compared with 30 days ago, falling over 100 points from the "Good" to "Fair" category.

Could such a significant drop be an indication of excessive credit searches or applications?

In the past 30 days, these are the only things that I think could affect my score:

1. My bank has closed my main current account and opened another, as the fraudster had gotten hold of my full sort-code and account number from my energy supplier. The bank told me that opening the new account would trigger a credit search. This only happened yesterday.
2. I've renewed my mobile contract. I've stuck with the same supplier and I'm on the same account, I just signed-up for another 12 months. I am not sure whether or not this triggered a credit search. (This happened 3 days ago).
3. I added a CIFAS fraud flag to my credit files on Police advice. This is meant to have zero impact on my credit score.

I can't think of anything else in the past month that should affect my credit score. Do the three things above seem enough by themselves to trigger a drop of over 100 points, or should I be worried that there's something else going on here?

Thank in advance for any advice! I've been pretty anxious this past month, and I'm definitely on edge seeing this, today.

[Deleted User]

peter_333 wrote: »

I can't think of anything else in the past month that should affect my credit score.

It could be the weather. It's set to get very cold this weekend which could impact your score as much as any other factor.

If the data on your files is correct, and the fraud issue is cleared up, there is nothing to worry about. Credit scores hate change and will drop at any time.

Fortunately they matter not a single smidgen.

peter_333

Thanks zx81,

I'm with you that "they matter not a single smidgen", and under normal circumstances I'd ignore a drop like this and move on. But given the circumstances, I guess my rephrased question would be:

"Should I be running to Experian to order a copy of my statutory report every time I see a drop like this, to triple check that there's no nefarious data on my file?"

I've done all I can to sort out the fraud, but I have no idea if the person is trying to open accounts in my name, etc. so I'm wanting to be vigilant for future issues.

[Deleted User]

I wouldn't check the files purely on the back of a points change - especially one that small. However, I would check all three files on the back of the fraud issue you've experienced.

Check again in 6 months, and if all is still ok, I would relax.

MrsTinks

NO - you should be checking your credit file regularly regardless of any score - twice as often given you have been a identity fraud victim. And not just the one - you need to check all 3 as they don't all contain all the same info.

peter_333

Thanks!
- Peter

peter_333

MrsTinks wrote: »

NO - you should be checking your credit file regularly regardless of any score - twice as often given you have been a identity fraud victim. And not just the one - you need to check all 3 as they don't all contain all the same info.

Hi MrsTinks,

I check my files with Equifax and CallCredit monthly (through ClearScore and Noddle memberships). If I add a paid statutory report from Experian to the mix on a monthly basis, does that sound reasonably prudent?

DCFC79

peter_333 wrote: »

Hi MrsTinks,

I check my files with Equifax and CallCredit monthly (through ClearScore and Noddle memberships). If I add a paid statutory report from Experian to the mix on a monthly basis, does that sound reasonably prudent?

Yes nothing wrong with that, they are the 3 agencies anyway, it will give a better picture.

Superscrooge

If you haven't previously signed up for the free 30 day trial with Experian, this would save you paying for a statutory report. But don't forget to cancel it.

https://www.creditexpert.co.uk/

peter_333

Superscrooge wrote: »

If you haven't previously signed up for the free 30 day trial with Experian, this would save you paying for a statutory report. But don't forget to cancel it.

https://www.creditexpert.co.uk/

Unfortunately I signed up a few years ago, used the trial and cancelled.

I guess that besides paying for statutory reports on a regular basis (or signing up for the £15 per month paid service) there's no way to cheaply and frequently access reports, correct?

[Deleted User]

The statutory report is £2.

It could only be a maximum of £2 cheaper than that.