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April 30, 2019 3:09 PM Subscribe
UK credit checks - I have noticed several checks that were made 'about me' by gambling sites using old details. What gives?
I want to apply for a home improvement loan so looked at my online credit score (Noddle). While doing so I noticed four credit searches for 'anti-money laundering' by different gambling sites in May last year. They use my old address, and wrong gender. I am not a gambler, ever. Does this mean someone was using my identity? Or is it just something that happens from time to time? Most importantly, do I need to fix this somehow?
Any help or advice appreciated!
I want to apply for a home improvement loan so looked at my online credit score (Noddle). While doing so I noticed four credit searches for 'anti-money laundering' by different gambling sites in May last year. They use my old address, and wrong gender. I am not a gambler, ever. Does this mean someone was using my identity? Or is it just something that happens from time to time? Most importantly, do I need to fix this somehow?
Any help or advice appreciated!
Best answer: You'll definitely want to contact the relevant credit reporting agencies to report this identity theft. The ultimate goal there would be, in priority order, to a) prevent whoever obtained your identity from opening any accounts or obtaining loans that you would be liable for and b) remove these fraudulent entries so they don't affect your credit score.
A lot of banks have identity protection services that might be able to assist you with this process.
Note: I'm in the US, but the above advice should be universal in any country with a credit reporting system.
posted by tobascodagama at 5:52 PM on April 30, 2019 [1 favorite]
A lot of banks have identity protection services that might be able to assist you with this process.
Note: I'm in the US, but the above advice should be universal in any country with a credit reporting system.
posted by tobascodagama at 5:52 PM on April 30, 2019 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Agree with the above. I'm in the U.S. but it sounds like someone is trying to open up fraudulent accounts in your name. Call all the companies associated with the inquiries. Tell them you didn't apply for any accounts. Also check the credit card reports from all 3 agencies. A credit report from one agency may not show all inquiries.
I've had my identity stolen before and the credit inquiries were helpful to catch all the accounts the person was fraudulently attempting to open. I placed a fraud alert in my case. I believe you should be able to still get a loan approved with a fraud alert. I think the loan company just needs to perform an extra step of calling you to confirm that you applied for the loan.
posted by mundo at 10:32 PM on April 30, 2019
I've had my identity stolen before and the credit inquiries were helpful to catch all the accounts the person was fraudulently attempting to open. I placed a fraud alert in my case. I believe you should be able to still get a loan approved with a fraud alert. I think the loan company just needs to perform an extra step of calling you to confirm that you applied for the loan.
posted by mundo at 10:32 PM on April 30, 2019
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posted by Thorzdad at 4:24 PM on April 30, 2019 [2 favorites]