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Killiehibbie
21-10-2009, 02:59 PM
Some fraudster has unsuccessfully applied for a bank account in my name. What measures can I take to prevent them being able to get lucky with the next one?
TariqE
21-10-2009, 03:53 PM
Change your name? :thumbsup:
ancient hibee
21-10-2009, 05:26 PM
Won 't matter anyway-you only have to prove it's not you.
TariqE
21-10-2009, 05:54 PM
See, what I don't get about identity theft is why the onus is on the victim.

If someone walked into a bank and withdrew cash from my account, then it's the bank's fault that they've been duped by a thief. I shouldn't be left worse off or have to prove anything. After all, I've done nothing- a thief has stolen from the bank and the manner in which they have done that is irrelevant.

I don't see how the victims of these crimes have to prove they didn't do it.
Killiehibbie
21-10-2009, 06:01 PM
Won 't matter anyway-you only have to prove it's not you.

I don't know very much about this kind of thing. First I heard was when a letter came in from the Abbey National informing me that they had refused an account application from somebody using my name and address. I was worried about them getting accounts, loans and that kind of thing leaving me to try and explain myself. Does it not ruin my credit rating as well?
Darth Hibbie
21-10-2009, 06:12 PM
You need to write to Experian and Equifax to inform them that this has happened. They will put a note on your credit file to stop it from happening again. It may mean that if you apply for credit you might have to go through stricter ID checks but it is worth it.

Have you contacted the AN about it. What did they say?
ginger_rice
21-10-2009, 06:20 PM
Happened to my credit card last night, someone managed to get my details, but not my PIN, they then changed the address for my account to somewhere in Berkshire...then went shopping. The credit card company caught on very quickly and got in touch to tell me what happened.

The worrying thing is the amount of information these folk get on you :grr:
Bayern Bru
21-10-2009, 06:32 PM
I now shred EVERY piece of paperwork with anything like my address, sensitive bank details etc. showing to avoid this. Some people are surprisingly blasé about the whole affair.

[maiden666]
You need to write to Experian and Equifax to inform them that this has happened. They will put a note on your credit file to stop it from happening again. It may mean that if you apply for credit you might have to go through stricter ID checks but it is worth it.

I'd go with this myself.
Killiehibbie
21-10-2009, 06:43 PM
You need to write to Experian and Equifax to inform them that this has happened. They will put a note on your credit file to stop it from happening again. It may mean that if you apply for credit you might have to go through stricter ID checks but it is worth it.

Have you contacted the AN about it. What did they say?

Done the Experian bit this afternoon.
AN would only confirm they had refused account and wouldn't answer any more questions. I asked for written details which they refused as well.
Darth Hibbie
21-10-2009, 07:20 PM
Done the Experian bit this afternoon.
AN would only confirm they had refused account and wouldn't answer any more questions. I asked for written details which they refused as well.

If you want to follow it up further then write to AN fraud investigation and asking what action is being taken. Also ask for what identification was supplied with the account application it may give you an idea as to how it happened in the first place (or even who done it).

Once you have all the info you can get its worthwhile passing the info onto the police. Although they will not be able to follow it up direct it might be useful information about a wider investigation.
Killiehibbie
21-10-2009, 08:02 PM
If you want to follow it up further then write to AN fraud investigation and asking what action is being taken. Also ask for what identification was supplied with the account application it may give you an idea as to how it happened in the first place (or even who done it).

Once you have all the info you can get its worthwhile passing the info onto the police. Although they will not be able to follow it up direct it might be useful information about a wider investigation. Thanks, i'll give it a go.
BravestHibs
22-10-2009, 08:15 AM
Some fraudster has unsuccessfully applied for a bank account in my name. What measures can I take to prevent them being able to get lucky with the next one?

Cut their lips off and concrete their ar*es to the floor so that they die of needing a s**t. That way they'll know you mean business.
GlesgaeHibby
22-10-2009, 09:56 AM
Everyone should own a shredder. This is serious business, and us Scot's are among the worst in the UK for not shredding sensitive information.

Shred anything with your name and address/personal details on it when you are finished with it.
Flynn
22-10-2009, 01:12 PM
Shred anything with your name and address/personal details on it when you are finished with it.

It's a sad state of affairs but very true.
ginger_rice
23-10-2009, 04:27 PM
Everyone should own a shredder. This is serious business, and us Scot's are among the worst in the UK for not shredding sensitive information.

Shred anything with your name and address/personal details on it when you are finished with it.

Or if you don't have a shredder just rip out the portion at the top with your name and address on it and any other info like account numbers then rip that into shreds!
sleeping giant
24-10-2009, 11:51 PM
Or if you don't have a shredder just rip out the portion at the top with your name and address on it and any other info like account numbers then rip that into shreds!
:agree:

Then burn it in an ashtray :greengrin
Woody1985
25-10-2009, 12:16 AM
:agree:

Then burn it in an ashtray :greengrin

My grandad sometimes burns all of his out in the garden but remember never to set fires at night when kids are likely to be in bed with open windows.
sleeping giant
25-10-2009, 12:31 AM
My grandad sometimes burns all of his out in the garden but remember never to set fires at night when kids are likely to be in bed with open windows.

You tripping ?:tee hee:
matty_f
26-10-2009, 10:34 PM
Try these guys (http://www.red24.com/) - they are experts at dealing with identity theft, though you have to pay.

I get to use them as part of my bank account and they're first rate.:agree:
Peevemor
26-10-2009, 10:51 PM
Try these guys (http://www.red24.com/) - they are experts at dealing with identity theft, though you have to pay.

I get to use them as part of my bank account and they're first rate.:agree:

:tee hee: