James
I have become aware that an ex-partner has been using my address to try to gain credit and open bank accounts, and keeps getting declined. I'm obviously furious that he could do such a thing anyway, but have now started having credit refused myself. What can I do to ensure this fraudulent behaviour doesn't affect my credit rating? I have asked him to stop doing this, but I obviously have no control over what he does. Kind regards.
Denise, Crawley
Denise
Your credit record is only linked to someone else if you share a financial connection with them. I suggest you get hold of a copy of your credit report and check to see if there is a financial link between you and your ex-partner. If there is and the link is no longer valid, let us know and we'll remove it from your report. As soon as there is no link, you can rest assured that the financial activities of your ex-partner cannot affect your own creditworthiness.
You may also want to check your local council's electoral roll to see if your ex is still registered to vote from your address. If his name is still registered at your address, let your council know he no longer lives with you. Lenders use the electoral roll to check your name and address when you apply for credit, so not being registered makes it very difficult to make successful credit applications.
James