Ex-friend making online gambling accounts in my name?

williewonder

Just looked at my credit report and I noticed about 6 soft searches to different gambling websites which I have never used as I don't gamble. I can only think it's an ex friend who is fraudulently using my details to try and sign up to these sites. I haven't noticed any adverse effects yet. Ws able to get a Barclaycard last 2 months ago but these search are this month. I've raised a depute with TotallyMoney.

What happens now? I'm livid.

JamieJ89

Soft searches wont affect your credit.

williewonder

What use would a person get by setting up gambling account in another persons name and how can I protect myself?

Thrugelmir

Commit fraud. Register yourself on CIFAS for protection. 

JamieJ89

You usually get new sign up bonuses when you create a new account so assume they wanted to take advantage of this.

williewonder

would it be wise to contact the police? I assume he would have to enter his debit card details to sign up these accounts? They won't match to my name. He has no access to my bank cards.

Batesy1976

williewonder said:

would it be wise to contact the police? I assume he would have to enter his debit card details to sign up these accounts? They won't match to my name. He has no access to my bank cards.

No.

No crime has been committed against yourself and the police won't give two hoots anyway.

singhini

Could the OP (Williewonder) contact the gambling websites Data Protection Officer and ask for all the information that they hold in his name ?

I was under the impression people are entitled to ask for all the info a company hold on them (i thought the piece of legislation was called Right of Access or perhaps it's Subject of Access). Hopefully someone who know more about data protection can advise.

pbartlett

you should raise a dispute with each agency eg for equifax there is an online dispute form. 

keep it simple - dont mention ex friend you have no idea who it was - just say the information on the file is inaccurate

singhini

pbartlett said:

you should raise a dispute with each agency eg for equifax there is an online dispute form. 

keep it simple - dont mention ex friend you have no idea who it was - just say the information on the file is inaccurate

I agree 

But the OP should also be able to contact the gambling websites and get information from them aswell 

FaceHead

singhini said:

pbartlett said:

you should raise a dispute with each agency eg for equifax there is an online dispute form. 

keep it simple - dont mention ex friend you have no idea who it was - just say the information on the file is inaccurate

I agree 

But the OP should also be able to contact the gambling websites and get information from them aswell 

Yes lodge a subject access request with the companies to see what they've got on you. Unless the fraudster actually has card details with your name I can't see how such a scheme would work to their advantage. Even if they did win money (e.g. through the promotions) I don't see how they can get the money into an account they own. Bookies are very hot on money laundering. 

It's more likely the accounts in your name haven't been used, if opened, but asking the companies is the only way to know. 

As part of your subject access request you can ask for the technical information they will undoubtedly hold about "your" gambling activities - when "you" log in, your IP address (which will give a very rough location), and they will probably know the type of device "you" log in with. If someone is impersonating you, this could provide clues as to their identity.