Should I register with CIFAS?

A question about : Should I register with CIFAS?

Hi all,

Today I found out that for the second time fraudsters have applied for a credit card in my name (Amex first time, now Santander).

The mailbox for my flat is outside, and I believe people can get into it. I'm positive this is how they're getting access to my details, as my name was spelt slightly wrong on both applications, which is how it was originally spelt on the electoral role, and I get lots of junk mail addressed to this typo'd name.

I haven't lost any money, as this time the application was declined, and the first time I intercepted the card before the fraudsters.

I've checked my Experian score, and it's 999. I know credit scores don't mean too much, but this is the highest score so everything is looking ok there. However, the fraudulent search is listed on my Experian account, so I'll ask Santander to remove it from my account. I guess I have to check the other credit agencies too.

I'm not really sure how to stop this happening again. I contacted the post office's fraud team last time, and they said they would investigate and let me know, but they didn't. I'll contact them again, and my flat's management office.

I'd like to apply for a mortgage at some point in the next 2-3 years, and so I want to keep my credit rating good. On Experian I read about CIFAS, and I wondered if this was the way to go ? Have any of you voluntarily registered? Is this the best solution for me, or is there a better route?

Best answers:

• I've just commented on your other thread, and yes, you should.
  IIRC you can also get in touch with Experian/Equifax/CallCredit to tell them all the accounts are fraudulent and they should also contact the lenders.
  The CIFAS marker won't prevent you getting a mortgage, as a lender will just follow up to confirm it's you applying. Some lenders may refuse you for certain credit products, simply because they can't be bothered following it up.
• I would recommend you do so. I work in application fraud for a high street bank and this sort of thing makes up a large volume of the identity theft we see on a daily basis. Get an indoor letterbox ASAP.
  Santander should've already filed this too.
• You could ask for a password to be put on your credit file.