What do I do if a scammer took out debt in my name?
Fraudulent debts taken out in your name must be disputed with each lender, reported to the police and your credit reference agencies, and flagged to your national fraud prevention service — you are not liable for debts you did not take out.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
When a scammer uses your identity to take out loans, credit cards, or other credit in your name, you may not discover it for months — when creditors begin chasing payment. This is a form of identity fraud that requires systematic action across several fronts.
Contact each lender individually, in writing, explaining that you are the victim of identity fraud and did not apply for or authorise the credit. Provide a crime reference number from your fraud authority. Lenders are required to investigate and, where identity fraud is confirmed, write off the debt and remove it from your credit file.
Simultaneously, add a Notice of Correction or fraud alert to your file with all three major credit reference agencies (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion in the UK) and apply for Cifas Protective Registration, which flags future applications in your name for additional checks. In the US, a credit freeze prevents any new credit being opened in your name.
This is general information only. The process can be lengthy and each lender investigation is separate. A consumer law adviser or identity theft support service can help you navigate multiple simultaneous disputes.
Common red flags
- Debt collection letters arriving for accounts you did not open
- Credit report shows applications or accounts you do not recognise
- You are being declined for credit due to adverse entries you did not cause
- Lenders are contacting you for defaults on loans you never received the proceeds of
What to do now
- Obtain your credit report from all three agencies immediately and identify all fraudulent entries
- Report to Action Fraud (UK) or equivalent and obtain a crime reference number
- Write to each lender with the crime reference number and request a fraud investigation
- Apply for Cifas Protective Registration (UK) or a credit freeze (US)
- Add a Notice of Correction to your credit file explaining the fraud
- Check whether your home address has been fraudulently changed — contact Royal Mail (UK) to verify
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to resolve fraudulent debts on a credit file?
It varies. Some lenders resolve disputes within weeks; others take several months, particularly if the fraud was sophisticated. Staying organised, following up regularly in writing, and escalating to the Financial Ombudsman Service when lenders are unresponsive are important for keeping the process moving.
Can a fraudulent debt affect my ability to rent a home or get a mortgage?
Yes — fraudulent entries on your credit file affect your credit score and may cause applications to be declined. This is one reason acting quickly and adding a Notice of Correction is important. Lenders can be shown the fraud documentation when you apply, which should prevent adverse decisions based on fraudulent entries.