CIFAS Fraud Database

[Hammer]

Somebody has tried to obtain credit using my identity. The bank involved spotted that something was dodgy and are now going to put an entry on the CIFAS database against my name which will show up every time I legitimately apply for credit.

This seems fine and a small price to pay for the fraudsters being foiled. My credit history is spotless so far and this supposedly will not make things worse (according to CIFAS), but wouldn't this 'potential fraud' marker on my file make things difficult for me in the future??

[Eeeek]

No it shouldnt make things difficult for you but what it does mean is that any time that you or "they" apply for credit in your name they will have to refer to CIFAS. If you can verify that the application if genuine (i think they give you a password) then it will proceed as normal. As you said yourself if it a small price to pay and certainly doesnt "blacklist" you. Well done to your Bank for realising :-)

[Hammer]

I completely agree with you in theory, and yes they have given me a password which will help prevent more fraud in my name.

Just a bit concerned that some banks might just not touch me with a bargepole, just in case. Anyone have any experience of this happening to them, or work in the financial services industry?

[Eeeek]

I work in financial services which is why i know what i know if that makes sense! All lenders are aware of the CIFAS system and its purpose however we are not allowed to let a CIFAS entry influence our decision. We must refer the application to CIFAS but otherwise would just proceed as we normally would ie. if the indicator wasnt there. Have a look at their website www.cifas.org.uk Hope this helps you & try not too worry.

[rma1805]

Not sure how it works in the UK, but it's in a pain in the **** in the US. This site is useful in the US environment:

http://www.card-fraud.com/consumer/fight_idtheft.html