Someone opened a loan in my name and debt collectors are harassing me. How to call them off?

kQPI4kLYIo

Hello everyone,

New here and first post, so apologies if it's in the wrong category but I'm looking for help!

I've been a victim of identity theft/fraud, and someone has opened a loan (Satsuma, a trading name of Provident) in my name, as well as two bank accounts.

The loan company contacted me a year ago, and I told them it wasn't me, and they left me alone. Fast forward to last month and they are now sending a debt collection agency to send me letters and harass me. I informed the debt collection agency, and the loan company again, but they are still insisting.

I have checked my credit report with two agencies, and through both have informed the agencies of accounts that are not in my name. They informed the companies on my behalf (the loan and two bank accounts), but the companies also need me to get in touch with them. The best way seems to be a letter.

So I need some advice. How do I get the loan company and debt collection agency to leave me alone?

What letters can I send to get the banks to get them to close these accounts?

Thank you for your time.

[Deleted User]

It sounds like they're receptive to sorting it, so I would get in touch through phone or email, rather than letter.

If you reported the fraud and have the Action Fraud references, give them those 

DCFC79

Id do it by letter as you then have a paper trail, you can ask them to contact you by post if you like, phone would be easier but up to you.

sourcrates

Although Action Fraud are as much use as a chocolate tea pot, you may be best off reporting the matter to them, at the very least you will get a crime reference number, you can then write and inform whoever it may concern of your situation, and include the number they gave you.

Do you know how they managed to open so many accounts with your details ?

How was the money taken, and how did they manage to set up a bank account in your name, that`s not easy these days ?

You need as much evidence gathered as possible, as ultimately you may have to defend your position in court.

kQPI4kLYIo

Thank you all.

I have an Action Fraud reference, which I gave the loan company at the time.

I have recently emailed the loan company, and got told they have "no evidence of fraudulent activity", and "we shall require further evidence noting the disputed agreement was obtained fraudulently from either your bank, or the police".

Can anyone help me understand what they mean? I didn't receive the funds (as I never applied for it), hence I don't know what help my bank will be... And as for involving police, I sent the loan company the Action Fraud reference already!

Should I ask them for clarification? Possible to ask them for the details of the loan, since I don't even know which bank account it went in to, or in whose name it is?

Overall a frustrating situation.

[Deleted User]

Bank statements will prove you didn't receive any money

pbartlett

Try not to get upset about this, although i know it is distressing

The debt collectors cannot do anything without a court order, and at any hearing you will get a chance to put your case to a judge.

If you can afford it you might want to consult a solicitor who can write the correct letters to the loan company and debt collectors and offer advice.

Don't engage with the debt collectors- you have put your side to them any anyway the only person who can call them off is either the loan company or a court.

Mojisola

Surely they know what account the money was paid into?

MattMattMattUK

Mojisola said:

Surely they know what account the money was paid into?

They will know what account it was paid into, but if that account is in the OPs name that does not really help. It will take time to tie up the fraudulent bank accounts with Bank A, with the fraudulent loan with Bank B. 

Mojisola

MattMattMattUK said:

Mojisola said:

Surely they know what account the money was paid into?

They will know what account it was paid into, but if that account is in the OPs name that does not really help. It will take time to tie up the fraudulent bank accounts with Bank A, with the fraudulent loan with Bank B. 

So even if the OP did as they asked and provided bank statements of their real accounts, they'll just say the OP isn't revealing all their accounts. 

MattMattMattUK

Mojisola said:

MattMattMattUK said:

Mojisola said:

Surely they know what account the money was paid into?

They will know what account it was paid into, but if that account is in the OPs name that does not really help. It will take time to tie up the fraudulent bank accounts with Bank A, with the fraudulent loan with Bank B. 

So even if the OP did as they asked and provided bank statements of their real accounts, they'll just say the OP isn't revealing all their accounts. 

They will not, it is merely a process of elimination as part of the investigation. What they are probably looking for in that instance is a transfer or deposit into the main account, from the account which they have been told is fraudulent. Eg. open new account, apply for loan, transfer to normal account, close new account. or even if there were any dubious transfers or cash deposits at the time (eg £10k cash withdrawn from new account, two days later £8k cash deposited in normal account).