Identity Fraud

RG2015

I forgot to say that if you are registered for Noddle you should be able to get the same Callcredit data on GiffGaff for free. Crucially, this updates every time you log in unlike Noddle which only updates once a month.

https://www.giffgaff.com/money/free_credit_report

Spunk_master

*********
Fraud is a booming business and affects consumers and businesses the same!

All a fraudster needs is your name, DOB and your address. Yes, that’s it..

So it’s that easy to get credit if you know that information? So how do I protect myself? I will tell you how.

1. Obtain a copy of your credit file
- see if new applications for credit have been made.
-if new apps have been made, take note of company and all information present on the search.
-contact company in question, advise you did not make application, ask them to ensure any account is closed (if they were accepted)
-any open accounts recently taken out? Follow above steps and get account closed and reviewed by the companies fraud team.

2. Contact CIFAS
-they are the only fraud prevention agency in UK.
-all major credit lenders are registered with them.
-they load information to advise of certain types of fraud.
-ask them to load a Category 0 (protective registration).
-Cat 0’s are loaded due to people either losing confidential documents or having their details used for fraud.
-once a Cat 0 is loaded it will be included on all credit checks.
-companies will be able to see the Cat 0 and then put in place strategies to further authenticate the application made (more security in place for you)
-this means genuine apps you make will also be subject to further authentication.

3. This is the most important step..
-look at yourself in the mirror and blow yourself a kiss.
-this is a stressful situation to be in, make time to appreciate yourself, kick back and relax. Draw yourself a bath and listen to Usher or pour yourself a drink and watch Nigella ***Removed by forum team***

4. Keep an eye on your credit file and if you see anything suspicious then query it accordingly. The Cat 0 will provide future protection for you and I think this lasts for either 13 months or 6 years. I know that’s a large difference in time to state but I honestly can’t remember how long it lasts.

Hope this helps

Howler

Thanks, all good information. I’d already registered protective registration with CIFAS it cost £20. Registered complaints with the bank in question and the via the ombudsman....we’ll see what happens. And yes there are costs involved in putting right the mistakes made by this bank to clear my name and so much time....great suggestions though, so cheers ....not sure about Nigella though...

RG2015

Howler wrote: »

Thanks, all good information. I’d already registered protective registration with CIFAS it cost £20. Registered complaints with the bank in question and the via the ombudsman....we’ll see what happens. And yes there are costs involved in putting right the mistakes made by this bank to clear my name and so much time....great suggestions though, so cheers ....not sure about Nigella though...

Good to hear you sounding a bit more positive.

And yes, I thought Nigella was a strange choice. There are a dozen others I would have looked to first. But that's a list for another day.

PS: Don't tell the missus. Oh, wait a minute. She knows them all

PixelPound

It's quite shocking, especially as the last CC and bank a/c I opened I did not need to provide a signature. It used to be that you had a signed CCA, now its all esignatures with little/no checks. They remove barriers to people getting products even though it removes barriers for potential fraudsters too.

PixelPound

RG2015 wrote: »

I forgot to say that if you are registered for Noddle you should be able to get the same Callcredit data on GiffGaff for free. Crucially, this updates every time you log in unlike Noddle which only updates once a month.

https://www.giffgaff.com/money/free_credit_report

Mine only updates once a month and there is a countdown to the next update. How come yours is different?

RG2015

nic_c wrote: »

Mine only updates once a month and there is a countdown to the next update. How come yours is different?

There is a countdown to the credit score update but not the report update. The credit report updates every time you log in although nothing may have changed.

Look at the dates for searches and updates to credit accounts and credit card balances. Of course it depends on how active you are. If you also have Noddle this will be different to Giffgaff despite both feeding from Callcredit data.

Remember also that Callcredit is used much less than Experian or Equifax.

James

There are 3 main methods of preventing someone obtaining credit or opening bank accounts using your personal data.


1. Is CIFAS Protective Registration.


Pros:
Its a single point of registration. You don't have to contact al 3 Credit Reference Agencies.


Cons:
It cost £20 for the first two years. Fees after that are not mentioned.

Not all lenders are CIFAS members.


Its a Password based system (something you know)


2. Protecting your Credit Files with a Password.


Pros.
It reaches all those who check your credit files (not just CIFAS members).


Costs nothing other than postage.


Cons

You have to write to all 3 Credit Reference Agencies.


Its a Password based system


3. Thumbprinting
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/news/article-5332861/The-ex-spy-uses-thumbprint-beat-fraudsters.html

Pros


It reaches all those who check your credit files (not just CIFAS members).


It is something you know/do AND forces a fraudster to do if they wish to steal your ID. (Leave their print).


It's Proactive (works as an indication and warning of attempted fraud).


Has the ability to aid Identification of a Fraudster.


Can be used to protect the vulnerable, those with Lasting Power of Attorney and even the deceased.


Additional use:
You can set-up your bank to use the same procedure (prevents certain types of account takeover). (See Daily Mail article).


Cons

You have to write to all 3 Credit Reference Agencies OR
Email them (Free).


You will need an Inkless Thumbprint Pad (available on e-Bay or probably Amazon). circa £5 to £8.


Submitting an application on-line requires the vendor to send you a paper application to sign and print.


Applying on the High Street may take a few minutes longer.




The choice is yours

cjmillsnun

PLEASE don't remove the initial post!