Catalogue Fraud (from the other side)

theboywho

Unfortunately a family member has opened two store accounts in my name, without my prior knowledge or consent. This has reduced my credit rating to an unsatisfactory level, although I am aware this won't be the first time this has happened to anybody.


From reading similar accounts on MSE and the web, I note that the matter of fraudulent transactions is fairly clear from the bogus account holder's standpoint, however when it comes to retailers allowing such a person to open a fraudulent account this, does it not amount to an offence on their part either?
Is there no legislation against a retailer accepting bogus account information to the detriment of a third party?


I am keen to know more with the obvious view that such responses do not constitute formal advice!

stclair

Which company is it?

If they know all your details the company wouldn't have been suspicious.

[Deleted User]

No, the retailer has committed no offence.

They are the defrauded party.

theboywho

Are there no measures in place to ensure that proof of ID is supplied? Surely that also means the retailer has no incentive at all to remove the debt from my name?

[Deleted User]

Of course there are measures in place. But if someone gives enough of the right information, they will pass, short of giving blood.

The retailer has every incentive to remove your name from the account once you've given them the crime number. They can't be seen to obstruct justice.

theboywho

That's atrocious, so there is no requirement at all to have a signature?

Thank you folks for responding.

[Deleted User]

Signatures are required and are now electronic. A wet signature doesn't prove anything.

theboywho

So it appears to me that large organisations such as Grattan or Shop Direct can just accept a bogus account, without a robust check in place (proof of id, for example) even if it is to the detriment of a third-party?


I am lost for words...

[Deleted User]

As has already been said - if someone has all the ID answers, they will pass. Further ID checks take place where there are doubts.

They're not actively looking to be defrauded. It's hugely expensive for them.

Carrot007

So you are another p[erson that wants the company to ignore the debt when you will not persue the case against your relative with the police?

Sounds like your family are the bad ones here.

jessex1990

wouldn't the asking for a different address for delivery compared to whats on your credit report trigger a fraud alert?