JD Williams account fraud

annoyedrabbit

Someone , and not me, has set up a JD Williams account fraudulently using my address.  I got a statement and a demand for money a few months ago - called their fraud team and they told me they’d close the account. Anyway get another and larger bill and chase today. I called the fraud team, spent about 15 mins on hold, got put thru to customer services and also fraud. They claim they can’t do anything to close the account as it’s not in my name. It’s “just unfortunate” said the customer service rep. Obviously I’m concerned about further debt being added to my address and potentially things the debt being passed to bailiffs. Is there anything I can do? It seems I can’t report it to Action Fraud, as although it’s fraud, it’s not in my name.

la531983

Am I getting deja vu?

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6617917/identity-theft-what-rights-do-i-have-to-orders-made-in-my-name#latest

Is this you also?

annoyedrabbit

It’s not me..  I think it’s clearly pretty easy to commit fraud on a JD Williams account… 

la531983

Suppose the answers are the same.

Debt is on a person, not an address. If the person named doesnt live with you, you have nothing to worry about.

sourcrates

Lets get realistic, consumer debt is assigned to debt collectors, not bailiffs, neither of whom have any power to do anything should you not cooperate.

As above, debt is associated with an individual, not an address, if the account is fraudulent, report it to Action Fraud, obtain a crime number, and then anyone who writes asking for money, give them that reference in writing, never on the phone, and refer them to Action Fraud.

saajan_12

The liability is on the person not on the address, so you shouldn't actually be on the hook for it and can safely turn any bailiffs or debt collectors on their way. 

Now there is some stress and hassle that occurs as a result, but that is really the fault of the 3rd party fraudster. JD Williams can't really do much about it - how do they know there isnt' someone else at your address in a house share? You could be a disgruntled roommate rather than a fraud-reporting sole resident. Even in terms of systems, most retailers just ask for the customer's name and address, without expecting proof - indeed would most poeple be willing to supply proof of address to every website they purchase from?