Ruined credit rating due to ex partner

moneyman_34

My ex wife (yet to divorce) took credit out in my name and I only found out when she had used all the products in question. What is the best course of action to take? We have two children together and she threw me out so I am back at home now and cant find my own place due to me having the debt hanging over me that she has no intention of paying nor has she ever brought this up with me.

[Deleted User]

You either report it as fraud, or you accept them as your debts.

moneyman_34

Not accepting them as my debts, I need to move on with my life and not have this hanging over me. What can happen if I report this?

Willing2Learn

If you report it to the police and get a crime reference number you can then use that with your (fraudulent) creditors to hopefully get the accounts removed from your credit file.


You can report the fraud online, using the link below:

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/


Edit: I would also consider submitting a CIFAS Protective marker on your credit file to reduce the chances of a new account being opened in your name.

moneyman_34

how do you go about doing the CIFAS thing?

Willing2Learn

You can submit a CIFAS Protective Registration either using the online form or by telephone. It costs £20 and stays on your file as a protective marker for two years.

https://www.cifas.org.uk/services/identity-protection/protective-registration

moneyman_34

what is the process to report someone? do they get notified of an investigation on the said accounts?

Willing2Learn

You complete the lengthy form on the automated online service, or you 'phone up using the AuctionFraud number given in the earlier link.

If you want to know what happens to the information you give, then you will have to make the report by 'phone, so that you can speak to someone.

Nasqueron

The simple way to look at it is this:


Your wife committed fraud, you report her to the police, you get the credit off your record and she is punished


or


You tell the credit company it was dodgy, they ask you to go through with a fraud accusation, you refuse, they assume you're trying to get out of your own debt and goes nowhere


Either you stand firm and get your wife prosecuted or you pay the debt as your own. I know where I would be going and it wouldn't be to my cheque book