Identity theft - thanks Barclays

Imnoexpert_2

I am an honest man so struggling to work out what is going on and what best to do.

I received a bank statement from Barclays with my address on it but someone elses name. It was a newly opened current account with a couple of transactions on it with very small amounts and clearly a card was used for one of them.

So how has someone opened an account using my address? Surely they would need proof of address? If the account is at my address why did I not get the card delivered to the same address (and the password).

I don't share a postbox.

Barclays have unhelpfully declined to tell me what was used as identification and if it is anything personal to me (amusingly citing data protection). They have though closed the account they say.

Now each day I receive letters about phone accounts being opened and one even to change my landline provider which was in the process of being actioned.

I have reported each event to the company concerned and to Action Fraud, and checked my credit reference (so far OK)

So what;'s going on? Is this going to get worse? How do I find out if this is a precursor to my getting CCJs attached to my address, or worse having my accounts used fraudulently?

Any thoughts and especially from a Bank employee. When I have wanted to open accounts in the last few years the identity requirements have seemed - if anything - rather OTT.

[Deleted User]

Not sure what Barclays have done wrong here? It's not the Bank's fault you have apparently been the victim of criminal activity.

Just keep a close eye on your statements and continue reporting any suspicious activity on your account and letters to your address .

xylophone

Not sure what Barclays have done wrong here?

Opened an account without checking that name and address tallied?

p00hsticks

Imnoexpert wrote: »

Barclays have unhelpfully declined to tell me what was used as identification and if it is anything personal to me (amusingly citing data protection)

I feel for you, but in a daft sort of way I'd be grateful for this as it at least indicates that Barclays recognise that it's not actually you who has opened this account.

It's bad enough that someone has managed to use your address, but for true identity theft they would actually pretend to be you and use your name as well - by all accounts this can become really difficult to untangle.

PeacefulWaters

xylophone wrote: »

Opened an account without checking that name and address tallied?

Highly unlikely.

Duped by fraudsters probably.

eddddy

Imnoexpert wrote: »

Barclays have unhelpfully declined to tell me what was used as identification and if it is anything personal to me (amusingly citing data protection). They have though closed the account they say.

You need to look at this from Barclays' perspective.

Why should Barclays believe that you are who you say you are; and that you live where you say you do; and that your version of events is true?

You may be an id thief trying to find out details from Barclays about somebody else's account. Or you may be a hoaxer trying to get Barclays to close down somebody else's account.


Do all the accounts/letters etc use the same name?

Is there scope for somebody who's just moved to get confused about addresses? (e.g. Somebody who's move into Flat 3, 10 High Street, is giving their address as 3 High Street.)

TadleyBaggie

Imnoexpert wrote: »

How do I find out if this is a precursor to my getting CCJs attached to my address, or worse having my accounts used fraudulently?

CCJ's are not registered against addresses, they are registered against an individuals name. Since the name on these accounts is not yours, any CCJ's by definition are not associated with you either. Of course this doesn't stop a bailiff turning up looking for this other individual, but once you show you are not who they are looking at they will be powerless to do anything.

TadleyBaggie

Unless you have been careless with account details, there is nothing to suggest your own accounts are in any danger.

GingerFurball_2

Is there actually any evidence of identity theft?

Note: someone else having mail delivered to your address isn't identity theft.

meer53

xylophone wrote: »

Opened an account without checking that name and address tallied?

The name and address would have matched or they wouldn't have opened the account. Fraudsters will have used fake documents.

[Deleted User]

Imnoexpert wrote: »

Barclays have unhelpfully declined to tell me what was used as identification and if it is anything personal to me (amusingly citing data protection).

They won't tell you how the fraud occurred unless it directly impinges upon you personally. If your own account has not been compromised you really have nothing to worry about. You have not been the victim of identity theft, someone has used your address not your name.