Identity Theft- Notice of Correction

Fletchasketch · 9 November 2018 at 12:53PM

Hello,

I recently had my details used by a fraudster to apply for a credit card in my name. I have the credit card and have put a block on it so that it cannot be used, but of course someone has my personal details now and could easily do this again.

One of the Credit Reference agencies have suggested I add a 'Notice of Correction' to my account to say that my identity has been stolen- and I wanted to know if anyone else has done this and would recommend it/avoid it?

The reason I say this is that I've heard applications can automatically be declined if there is a notice of correction on them and that I may find it difficult to apply for a mortgage when I go to do this next year.

If anyone has any experience of having a 'notice of correction' added to your file due to fraud or anything else- I'd love to hear from you.

eskbanker · 9 November 2018 at 1:04PM

Fletchasketch wrote: »

The reason I say this is that I've heard applications can automatically be declined if there is a notice of correction on them and that I may find it difficult to apply for a mortgage when I go to do this next year.

My understanding is that a notice of correction means that credit applications will all be referred for manual review, rather than being declined automatically as such.

See http://uk.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/how-to-add-a-notice-of-correction-to-your-credit-reports-1356.php:

adding a notice to your file will slow down all credit application processes, even if the submission you provide is free from errors and is added to your profiles in a timely manner. As automated credit checking systems are unable to properly assess notices of correction, any profile that includes one will have to be reviewed manually.

"Any application you make will have to be referred to the lender's underwriting team to manually assess," Jones said. "Credit scoring systems can't read and interpret prose, so it will delay any application you make. But if this changes a 'no' into a 'yes', you'll probably be happy to wait a little longer for the decision."

CakeCrusader · 9 November 2018 at 1:15PM

You could try a notice of correction, this gent did; https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/sep/23/foolproof-way-to-stop-id-fraud-credit-file-thumbprint Maybe you could add a password? This would take time to set up though and you'd need to contact each credit reference agency.

I'm pretty sure that a CIFAS marker (there's different ones) can be added in cases of identity theft; https://www.cifas.org.uk/services/identity-protection/victim-of-impersonation It costs £20 for 2 years, I don't know if you can get this for free though. It just means a lender has to carry out indepth checks if you or anyone else applies for credit using your details.

Willing2Learn · 9 November 2018 at 1:19PM

I could be wrong, but I would be asking the CRA, in writing, to remove the fraudulent credit account entry from your file. If you have reported the fraud to https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/, then you should have a reference number that you could include in your letter to the CRA. A removed entry is far better than a Notice of Correction

If it were me, I would also consider submitting a protective registration on your credit files with CIFAS...

[Deleted User] · 9 November 2018 at 2:49PM

I had one years ago along with a password so it couldn't happen again. Didn't slow things down that much. I'd get a telephone call from the credit dept asking me for password.

PRAISETHESUN · 9 November 2018 at 5:34PM

I'd suggest getting a protective CIFAS registration to try and prevent this happening again - It won't stop you getting accepted for credit, but this will slow down future applications for credit as lenders are forced to verify that your application is legitimate, but should prevent more fraudulent applications.

A notice of correction may help too, but it would be better in my opinion to get the fraudulent entry removed entirely. Report it to action fraud (if you haven't already) and give the crime reference to the lender and ask them to remove the entry. If they don't, then formally complain.

meer53 · 10 November 2018 at 9:46AM

I've had a NOC on my credit file for years, i added it when my ex left me. It's not caused any issues for me. I've remortgaged my house, taken out credit cards and had 5 cars all on PCP since it was added.

Fletchasketch · 10 November 2018 at 11:19AM

Thanks to all for the advice. Seems like going for the notice of correction and the protective CIFA registration are the way to go. Encouraged to hear the of you have had issues getting credit after the NOC too. Thanks again.

Identity Theft- Notice of Correction

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