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 business? There are eight types of Cifas markers that are all loaded for various reasons and last for different amounts of time. Our solicitors can assist you with all of these, as well as fraud 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 show 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 a financial 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 if you sell goods that you do not own. An example of this is selling a car that is under a hire purchase agreement, not 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 you seek a monetary insurance claim but provide incorrect information, this marker may be filed, lasting up to six years.
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Other Databases: Synectic Solutions SIRA and National Hunter
Other Databases: Synectic Solutions SIRA and National Hunter
In the UK, there are two databases that are similar to Cifas: 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 markers 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 show 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 a financial 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 if you sell goods that you do not own. An example of this is selling a car that is under a hire purchase agreement, not 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 you seek a monetary insurance claim but provide incorrect information, this marker may be filed, lasting up to six years.
Other Databases: Synectic Solutions SIRA and National Hunter
In the UK, there are two databases that are similar to Cifas: 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 markers 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 a big impact for you or your business, it’s essential to choose the right solicitor to guide you through the process. At Setfords, our solicitors are here to advise you at every step of the way, from initially advice about whether removal is possible to putting forward a comprehensive challenge against the marker.
For more advice about fraud marker 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 that contains information about 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 (such as a bank, insurer, or loan company) makes a judgement against you or your business. This typically happens when you have been either a victim or perpetrator of financial fraud. 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 fairly common 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 unexpectedly. 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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How can a Cifas marker impact me?
Having a Cifas marker can impact you in several ways, for example:
- You may struggle to get credit, such as credit cards, loans, and mortgages
- Financial institutions like 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 in the financial services sector
- If you’re the director of a company and have a marker, 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 is not a criminal record. It only relates to your financial conduct. However, you may still be prosecuted for financial misconduct relating to the reason the Cifas marker was filed against you. If you are convicted, this usually shows 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 can be 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 financial services 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 whether you may be able to remove the marker.
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How are Cifas markers removed?
Cifas marker removal can be a challenging thing to navigate. That’s why it’s so important to have an expert Cifas marker removal solicitor by your side.
The first step is getting the information about your marker from Cifas. Their report will tell you which financial institution has loaded the marker against you, and why. You and your solicitor can then challenge that financial institution directly, with an argument for why the marker should be removed. Please note that simply stating that it has been unfairly filed is not enough – you’ll be required to submit a compelling legal argument and evidence.
From there, the financial institution will issue its final response. If they don’t agree to remove the marker, 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, a small number of cases may be able to challenge the decision through a judicial review or injunction. However, the rules about which appeals can be considered are complicated. Therefore, it’s important that your appeal is as strong as possible from the start.
Contact a Cifas marker removal solicitor today for advice about your specific situation.