What is third party fraud?

A third party fraud marker means someone else used your identity or details without your knowledge. You are the victim, not the perpetrator. However, problems arise when institutions incorrectly file the marker against the victim rather than recording them correctly.

This is particularly common with Identity Fraud markers, where the institution may file against the identity used rather than properly distinguishing between the fraudster and the victim.

When victims are wrongly marked

If you are the victim of identity fraud and a marker has been filed against your name, the complaint approach is different from other marker types. The focus is on demonstrating that you were the victim, that you had no involvement in the fraudulent activity, and that the marker should be removed or reclassified.

• You did not make the application or transaction in question
• Your identity was stolen or misused by someone else
• You reported the fraud to the police or Action Fraud
• The institution should have recorded you as a victim, not a suspect

Protective registrations

If you are a victim of identity fraud, you can apply for a CIFAS Protective Registration. This is a positive marker that alerts organisations to check more carefully when applications are made in your name. It does not prevent you from accessing services — it adds an extra layer of verification to protect you from further fraud.