Story 1: Present address fraud
Abigail, 25, London NW3
What happened
Abigail had no reason to suspect she was a fraud victim, until she joined Experian and got an alert. It showed a credit card, registered at her current address, with debts of £664.
The fraud
A fraudster had used Abigail's current details – so the card was sent to her real address. These frauds are mostly committed by someone who also lives at the address, often a neighbour with easy access to the victim’s mail or even a relative.
How we helped
We helped Abigail confirm that the card was a present address fraud. The card was cancelled, the debt written off - and we password protected her credit report to avoid future frauds.
Story 2: Change of address fraud
Alex, 32, Newcastle Upon Tyne
What happened
Alex thought his finances were in a good state – until he was refused for credit. His Experian credit report showed he owed £000s on credit cards registered to an address that wasn’t his.
The fraud
In change of address fraud, criminals contact their victim’s bank or other business and give them a new home address. In Alex’s case, the fraudsters had credit cards sent to them at the new address and amassed debts of £15,150 in his name.
How we helped
We helped confirm that Alex was a victim of change of address fraud. His credit rating was restored, so he can make credit applications knowing that the information on his credit report is correct.
Story 3: Previous address fraud
Maria, 28, Liverpool
What happened
Maria started getting letters about mail order accounts. She suspected fraud and contacted Experian. Her credit report showed the accounts were registered at her previous address.
The fraud
When Maria moved, she didn’t change her address with every company that sent her mail. Criminals got hold of stray letters bearing her old address and used them to spend £321 with catalogue companies – which usually have fewer security checks than banks and building societies.
How we helped
With her Experian report and some advice, Maria could prove that the accounts were fraudulent – meaning she wasn’t held liable for the debt.
Story 4: Tenancy fraud
Adam, 42, London E10
What happened
Adam rented out his property in London – and his tenants bought goods in his name. He began to suspect he was an identity fraud victim and contacted Experian.
The fraud
Adam’s tenants opened mail order accounts in his name and had the purchases sent to the rented property. This all looked above board, so the companies expected Adam to pay the bills.
How we helped
The Experian team helped Adam confirm a fraud of £124, so he wasn’t liable for the bills. He then evicted the tenants.
Story 5: Stolen document fraud
William, 51, Harrow
What happened
William’s wallet was stolen. He cancelled his cards quickly to prevent credit card fraud - but started to receive letters from banks and credit card about debts he didn’t recognise.
The fraud
The thieves used identity documents from William’s wallet to get credit in his name. They bought mobile phone contracts and mail order purchases – leaving him stuck with the £480 bill.
How we helped
When William contacted Experian we helped him prove that it was
down to fraudsters – and we added Cifas
Protective Registration
to his credit report to help prevent any future fraudulent applications
made in his name.