CIFAS

A question about : CIFAS

Hi All,

I wondered if anybody could shed some light on some things.

After a SAR request to CIFAS, I have discovered that Barclaycard have registered an entry against me for Application Fraud - non-disclosure of address with adverse history.

This is incorrect as the address in question was from at least 8 years prior. I was also not aware that there was anything registered there anymore (adverse or otherwise). If I haven't lived there for 8 (or more) years, there is no requirement to put it on the form. I cannot imagine what information they have found which makes them believe that I was living there in the 3 years previous to my application.

My questions are these:

1) This was added to the CIFAS database in June 2011. Does anybody know when it will drop off. I am under the impression it is 12/13 months (unless fraud continues - which of course it hasn't). If it takes longer to go automatically, I will be writing to Barclaycard immediately.

2) Is the CIFAS database updated dynamically (i.e. all the time like credit files) or is it only monthly, for example?

3) Since this CIFAS has been registered, I have changed banks, got credit cards, new mortgage and loan. I thought that an entry such as this would prevent any of that happening. It was my new bank, in fact, that heavily hinted there was something flagging up on me which always required further checks. As I couldn't see anything on my credit file, I wrote to CIFAS. The bank, however, seem to have disregarded it as they have provided me with generous facilities. Doesn't this seem strange?

4) I am linked to the address in question at the credit agencies (last link about 2003 - which is a fair reflection on when I last had dealings with that address) and I cannot see any information whatsoever held here. Any clues?

5) Why when I made applications previous to the Barclaycard one (e.g. mortgage in Feb 2011), did they not find this adverse information or believe that I had omitted addresses (which I hadn't) - could it be that Barclays have internal information on me which I suppose can last longer than the 6 years that shows on credit files.

All-in-all, the (unknown to me) presence of this CIFAS marker against my name for the last year, doesn't seem to have caused me too many issues. Could it be that when these extra checks are done by new lenders that they overlook a marker such as this?

Thanks in advance.

Best answers:

• Hi, i don't know but wanted to in case anyone else could help you out.
  It does seem strange and i too am under the impression that it shouldn't affect you being so long ago....
• Write a formal letter of complaint to Barclaycard, asking for an explanation of the actions, and include the points you have made. You could also send in a Subject Access Request (enclose a cheque for Ј10, maximum charge).
  If and when they come up with an answer, you will be able to see what they have done and why. If it is an error (you should see what Halifax did to my credit report 'by accident', demand that all references are immediately corrected by them, demand that they notify all the credit reference agencies, and follow up in six-eight weeks to see that it has been done, demand that you recieve an immediate letter of apology confirming their mistake and how fabulous you are, and then demand compensation.
  I'm expecting the 8 week follow up call from Halifax on Wednesday. Ј250 compensation so far. Ah, my shoe-cupboard will miss them.