If you have been a victim of identity theft or are concerned about fraud in your name one of the most effective protective steps you can take is to add a CIFAS Protective Registration to your credit file. This guide explains exactly how to do it and what else you can do to protect your credit.
CIFAS is the UK's leading fraud prevention service. A Protective Registration adds a warning flag to your name on the CIFAS National Fraud Database. When lenders check this database before approving credit applications they will see the flag and take extra steps to verify the applicant's identity — making it much harder for criminals to obtain credit in your name.
Place a notice of correction on your credit file — contact each of the three credit reference agencies — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — and add a Notice of Correction explaining that you have been a victim of identity fraud. Lenders must read this before making credit decisions.
Check your credit report regularly — monitor all three credit files for unfamiliar accounts, searches or addresses. Use ClearScore for Equifax, Credit Karma for TransUnion and Experian's free tier for Experian data.
Set up credit alerts — Experian, Equifax and ClearScore all offer alerts when new credit applications or searches are made against your file.
Remove your personal data from broker sites — identity thieves use your personal data from data broker websites to apply for credit in your name. Silent Erase removes your data from 500+ sites automatically.
If fraudulent accounts or credit applications already appear on your credit file you need to dispute them directly with the lender and the credit reference agency. Both are legally required to investigate and remove fraudulent entries. Report to Report Fraud and register with CIFAS immediately.
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