Family memeber ran £15k debt in my name!!

32_Briggsy

Candyapple - Thanks for the advice.

My uncle was able to get the credit card as my nan still lives at my old address. I've now left area and have my own house elsewhere.

I was unaware of any loans or credit cards. I was certainly explicit in allowing to pay his wages into the old account. I think option 2 is sounding like the most favourable route. Many thanks.

Hiddenidenity

The CIFAS marker on your file for 6 years will affect you a whole lot more than the defaults on the credit file. Especially if he is going to pay them. I'd make sure you fully read up on CIFAS markers and how it will affect you before making the decision.

As soon as you report your uncle for fraud you're reporting yourself too.

Arleen

Hiddenidenity wrote: »

The CIFAS marker on your file for 6 years will affect you a whole lot more than the defaults on the credit file. Especially if he is going to pay them. I'd make sure you fully read up on CIFAS markers and how it will affect you before making the decision.

As soon as you report your uncle for fraud you're reporting yourself too.

This times a million. CIFAS will possibly prevent you from having an even basic bank account, a lot of other services, some jobs (with a lot of jobs having a break-clause if you are found to get a fraud marker) etc.
If you want to proceed this route, get proper legal advice first as the cifas marker may be avoidable.

32_Briggsy

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to get some legal advice tomorrow and way up my options.

If I do press ahead with the option of ID theft, what is the likelihood my current bank account and mortgage may be placed in jeopardy?

Hiddenidenity

Your current account very very likely they will close it. If you do a search for CIFAS in the forum search and have a read of the posts you will see.

You'd even struggle to find a basic account to let you have an account.

It really isn't something to take lightly.

I'm not sure on the mortgage tbh. Maybe ask in the mortgages board if anyone has advice on mortgages with a CIFAS marker?

32_Briggsy

I've gone for some legal advice through my work union, not able to get an appointment till next Thursday. It's a waiting game now.

I'm a nervous wreck at the minute, hardly slept last night. I know what I did was stupid and reckless - I was young, naive and made a big mistake, I did not think I would end up in this situation and risk losing everything!!

enthusiasticsaver

If you gave your uncle access to your account then the bank will regard you as complicit in fraud. Is he still operating this account? If so, insist he stops and opens up his own while you sort out whether you will be reporting him for fraud. This may well backfire on you though as essentially you were also in the wrong and being naïve and young is not a defence in the eyes of the law. If you are hit with a CIFAS marker this could impact on you for a good many years.

What is your uncle suggesting regarding repaying you the money?

32_Briggsy

He is still using it. He says he wants to take the debt on, but he's not got a very good job so why would they pass the debt on. I know I made a mistake. I've not had any contact with the bank in 10 years. I took my mortgage out 5 yesterday ago no problem. It seems the debt was ran up in the last 5 years. He has obviously had to sign for the loan and credit card fraudulently. My biggest worry is my main bank account I use for my wages, bills and mortgage gets wind of it and closes it!! Then I'll be in !!!! streak

Hiddenidenity

First things first you need to stop him using it. Now.

Change the online banking details. Cancel the card. Tell him he needs to open himself an account of his own. Nearly anyone can open a basic bank account.

IF you report it to the police/bank etc you its likely you'll both get a fraud marker and the CIFAS marker lasts 6 years. You'll find it hard for either of you to get a bank account even a basic one with this marker. It affects all sorts of things not just your bank.

Other option is still stop him using that account now.
he repays the debt and you just deal with a bad credit rating with the defaults for 6 years but at least you won't have a fraud marker against you.

Loubyloux

This happened to me, slightly different circumstances as they just obtained credit for catalogues etc in my name when they lived in my property so I didn't give them access to any details but as a family member they had my name, dob, address and everything which was all they needed.
I just ended up having to pay it all as if it was my own debt, it sucks but the alternatives weren't any easier.