
Cifas Marker Removal Solicitor
If you’re looking for assistance with Cifas marker or bank fraud marker removal, Setfords’ expert Cifas removal solicitors can help.
Dealing with Cifas markers can be stressful and complex. So, you need a knowledgeable solicitor by your side to give you the best chance of success. Our solicitors have significant experience in successfully challenging Cifas and other types of fraud markers issued by banks and financial organisations.
Such fraud markers can last for up to six years and can ruin businesses, the ability to obtain credit and banking facilities, and can even destroy careers.
In our experience, it is best to take legal advice immediately once you become aware of a marker’s existence. Failure to get challenges right the first time can lead to lengthy delays and, ultimately, disappointment.
Cifas marker removal can be a complex process, involving contacting various institutions and putting forward a compelling case. It is precisely because of this that it is recommended that you take the advice of a Cifas marker removal solicitor who is highly experienced in this area before you do anything.
You can find out more about Cifas marker removal by clicking here to visit our dedicated guide.
Cifas Marker Removal Solicitor Services
How exactly can our Cifas marker removal lawyers help you and you or your organisation? There are eight different types of Cifas markers that are all loaded for different reasons and last different amounts of time. Our solicitors can assist you with all of these, as well as markers from different databases. Here is some more information on the different types of markers:
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Protective Registration
Protective Registration
If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud, you can apply for Cifas Protective Registration. It lasts for two years, and notifies organisations that they should pay close attention when your details are used to help prevent you from becoming a victim again.
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Victim of Impersonation
Victim of Impersonation
This type of Cifas marker can be applied if you have been a victim of identity fraud. It is applied for and filed by a lender for your protection. It lasts for 13 months.
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First-party fraud
First-party fraud
This type of marker can be filed when you have promised future repayment for goods or services, but display no intent to actually pay. These markers can last for up to six years.
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Facility Takeover
Facility Takeover
If your facility (typically a bank account) is fraudulently taken over and used for unauthorised transactions, a Facility Takeover marker can be filed. It can last for up to six years.
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Misuse of Facility
Misuse of Facility
When an account is obtained with the intent to use it for fraud, this marker can be loaded. It lasts for up to six years.
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Asset conversion
Asset conversion
This type of marker can be filed on you if you sell goods that you do not own. An example of this is selling a car that is under a hire purchase agreement rather than being owned outright. It can last for up to six years.
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Application Fraud
Application Fraud
If an application for credit is made using an individual’s real name but false details or documents (including salary, address, employment), an Application Fraud marker can be lodged. These markers last for up to six years.
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Insurance Claims Fraud
Insurance Claims Fraud
If a monetary insurance claim is sought but incorrect information is provided, this marker lasting for up to six years may be filed.
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Other Databases: Synectic Solutions SIRA and National Hunter
Other Databases: Synectic Solutions SIRA and National Hunter
There are two databases similar to Cifas in the UK. These are Synectic Solutions SIRA and National Hunter. They hold similar, although more limited, information about individuals. Their purpose is to supply data to financial institutions and judge an individual’s account activity.
You may be able to challenge these databases in the same way you would challenge a Cifas marker. Our Cifas marker removal solicitors will be able to give you more information on your specific case.
Protective Registration
If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud, you can apply for Cifas Protective Registration. It lasts for two years, and notifies organisations that they should pay close attention when your details are used to help prevent you from becoming a victim again.
Victim of Impersonation
This type of Cifas marker can be applied if you have been a victim of identity fraud. It is applied for and filed by a lender for your protection. It lasts for 13 months.
First-party fraud
This type of marker can be filed when you have promised future repayment for goods or services, but display no intent to actually pay. These markers can last for up to six years.
Facility Takeover
If your facility (typically a bank account) is fraudulently taken over and used for unauthorised transactions, a Facility Takeover marker can be filed. It can last for up to six years.
Misuse of Facility
When an account is obtained with the intent to use it for fraud, this marker can be loaded. It lasts for up to six years.
Asset conversion
This type of marker can be filed on you if you sell goods that you do not own. An example of this is selling a car that is under a hire purchase agreement rather than being owned outright. It can last for up to six years.
Application Fraud
If an application for credit is made using an individual’s real name but false details or documents (including salary, address, employment), an Application Fraud marker can be lodged. These markers last for up to six years.
Insurance Claims Fraud
If a monetary insurance claim is sought but incorrect information is provided, this marker lasting for up to six years may be filed.
Other Databases: Synectic Solutions SIRA and National Hunter
There are two databases similar to Cifas in the UK. These are Synectic Solutions SIRA and National Hunter. They hold similar, although more limited, information about individuals. Their purpose is to supply data to financial institutions and judge an individual’s account activity.
You may be able to challenge these databases in the same way you would challenge a Cifas marker. Our Cifas marker removal solicitors will be able to give you more information on your specific case.
Setfords’ Approach to Cifas Marker Removal
As this is such a complex area of law that can have huge repercussions for you or your business, it’s essential to choose the right solicitor. At Setfords, our solicitors are here to advise you at every step of the way, from initially informing you if removal may be possible to putting forward a comprehensive argument for it.
For more advice about markers and their removal, please contact our experienced and professional Cifas removal solicitors today.
Our Cifas Marker Removal Solicitors
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Jeremy Asher
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Cifas Marker Removal FAQs
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What are Cifas markers?
Cifas stands for ‘Credit Industry Fraud Avoidance System’. It’s a not-for-profit organisation that manages a database detailing fraudulent conduct in the UK. The aim is to reduce fraud and crime. Cifas and the other fraud database markers can also be known as bank fraud markers. They can be loaded against you when a financial institution makes a judgement against you or your business, either if you have been a victim or perpetrator of financial fraud. Financial institutions can include banks, insurers, and loan companies. Then, other institutions can access this information to get more information about the potential risks of lending to you.
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How do I know if I’ve got a Cifas marker?
It’s not uncommon for people to be unaware they have a Cifas marker until their application for some form of credit is rejected or their bank accounts are closed at short notice without explanation. If you have been a victim of fraud (and have a Victim of Impersonation or Protective Registration marker), you will be able to find a record of it on your credit report. For other types of markers, the only way to find out about them is to make a Data Subject Access Request to Cifas. The financial institution that placed the marker on you has no legal obligation to let you know you have the marker or why.
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What do Cifas markers affect?
Having a Cifas marker can have several negative effects on you, for example:
- You will likely struggle to get credit, including credit cards, loans, and mortgages
- Financial institutions such as banks may decide to close your accounts if they are concerned about your financial activity
- Your application for student loans through the Student Loans Company may be affected
- It could negatively impact your career or future career options, particularly if you work within the financial sector
- If the director of a company has a marker loaded against them, the company may be refused credit
However, this list is not exhaustive. Our expert Cifas marker removal solicitors will be able to give you tailored advice for your specific situation.
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Do Cifas markers show up on a criminal record?
A Cifas marker only relates to your financial conduct: is not a criminal record and will not show up as such. However, you may still be prosecuted for financial conduct relating to the reason the Cifas marker was filed against you, and if you are convicted this will likely show up on a criminal record.
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Will my employer know about my Cifas marker?
Yes, in some cases your employer may find out about the marker. This is especially the case if they are a member of Cifas themselves, or conduct pre-employment screening checks. It is typically only employers in certain sectors, such as finance and law, that will check the Cifas database and use the information in their hiring decisions, but the range of organisations using Cifas is increasing.
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Can Cifas markers be removed?
Yes, in some cases it is possible to have your Cifas marker removed. Please contact a solicitor today to discuss your individual case and requirements.
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How are Cifas markers removed?
Cifas marker removal involves some complex areas of law, and it can be challenging. That’s why it’s so important to have an expert Cifas marker removal solicitor by your side.
The first stage is typically obtaining the information about your marker from Cifas. Their report will tell you what has been alleged against you, and which financial institution alleges it. You and your solicitor can then challenge the financial institution directly, proving why the marker should be removed. Please note that simply stating that it has been unfairly filed is not enough – compelling legal arguments and evidence are required.
From there, the financial institution will issue its final response. If they don’t agree to the marker’s removal, you can challenge Cifas directly. They must respond within 14 days. If they also refuse to remove it, a complaint can be made to the relevant ombudsman. If this again fails, you may be able to challenge the decision through a judicial review or injunction, in a small number of cases. However, the rules about where appeals can be considered are complicated and it is therefore important that your appeal is as strong as possible at the outset.
Contact a Cifas marker removal solicitor for advice today.
Speak to a CIFAS Marker Removal Solicitor on 0330 828 4863