My identity was stolen. Now I can’t remortgage

When Rosie Drayton’s identity was stolen, she didn’t realise the impact it would have on her life

By Tim Gibson

Rosie Drayton is worried. She’s in the process of remortgaging, which is stressful at the best of times. But for Rosie it just got a whole lot worse.

    “It’s not a nice feeling to know that someone has got hold of your personal information and is using it to commit fraud,”...  

Last week, Rosie received a package through the post. It was from Nationwide Building Society. The delivery was a card reader to enable online access to her new account.

Trouble is, Rosie has never banked with Nationwide, and hadn’t set up a new account. Someone stole her identity and did it in her name.

Rosie rang Nationwide immediately and put a stop on the account. Fortunately, the fraudsters were yet to spend any money, and Nationwide agreed to upgrade the security on new applications in her name for extra peace of mind.

Even so, Rosie is worried. “It’s not a nice feeling to know that someone has got hold of your personal information and is using it to commit fraud,” she says. “It turns out that you only need a person’s full name, date of birth and address to apply for a range of banking products, including credit cards. That’s a pretty low bar for criminals to reach.”

The bar is especially low if, as Rosie suspects, the criminals have intercepted their victim’s mail in order to harvest the information they require.

“My mail box has been tampered with, and one day a neighbour found some of my post on the street outside our block of flats,” she reports. “I think the fraudsters stole my mail, noted my personal details, and used them to open various accounts.”

That’s right: “various accounts.” Because no sooner had Rosie got to the bottom of the Nationwide fraud than she discovered new accounts in her name with banks such as Sainsbury’s, HSBC and Santander.

Worse still, the criminals had been on a spending spree, racking up thousands of pounds of debt.

“I’ve been assured by the banks that the debt will be refunded,” says Rosie, “but there’s been a really damaging short-term impact on my credit score. This is especially bad news, because it’s meant my mortgage application has been delayed.”

The banks have advised Rosie that her remortgage will proceed once the debts are wiped off. But her concern is that interest rates will rise in the meantime, or that she’ll miss out on the best deals because her application can’t be processed right now.

“I feel like I’m in limbo, and it’s especially galling because the fraudsters are getting away scot-free while my life is in chaos. The police told me that identity theft is not a crime in itself, and that fraud arising from it is hard to prosecute. But it’s not a victimless crime, as I’ve found out to my cost.”

Rosie says the experience has left her feeling angry and confused. “I’ve complained to all the banks and expect financial compensation. Nationwide has already given me a modest amount, but I’ve discovered a further fraud with them so I’ll be asking for more.

“I’m also worried about my remortgage application. I’ll be so upset if we miss out on a lower rate for the coming years because of the actions of these criminals, who don’t care about the people they hurt along the way.”

Note: Rosie’s identity has been disguised. Obviously.

Avoid ID theft: three steps

1) Make sure your post is secure. Rosie thinks thieves took her mail to harvest her details. Make sure yours is delivered to a secure mailbox or through your door. Always remove names and addresses from envelopes before you throw them away.

2) Keep a close eye on your banking. If you spot any irregular spending on your current accounts or credit cards, you should call your bank immediately. They can put a stop on the account while investigating a potential fraud, meaning you don’t accrue a load of debt in the meantime.

3) Always opt for heightened security. If your bank offers the option of advanced security, such as 3D Secure authentication, take it. Anything you can do to protect your data, especially online, is well worth the additional hassle.

Published: 9 August 2019

© 2019 Just Recruitment Group Ltd

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: The tech time bomb that could floor your business

You may also enjoy: Feeling stressed? Try this technique to help you unwind

Jobs currently available

New job
Field Service Technician – Twickenham / Kingston Upon Thames
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Twickenham, Kingston Upon Thames
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913709
About the role

Due to continued growth, a world-leading provider of vehicle washing technology is recruiting a Field Service Technician to service a customer base in the Twickenham / Kingston Upon Thames area.

The role involves servicing and installing car and commercial valet equipment. You will be involved in all aspects of planned maintenance, breakdown repairs, equipment servicing, and general repairs. Responsibilities also include maintaining van stock levels and completing job sheets.

Role requirements include:

  • Having an Electrical or Mechanical engineering qualification
  • Be willing to travel and stay out overnight as and when required
  • Be willing to take on additional training and relevant courses, including evening courses that the company may pay for
  • Working on your own initiative or part of a team, and have problem-solving skills
  • Have a valid, clean UK driving licence
  • Good people skills, presentable and able to liaise directly with customers
  • Being punctual and able to keep accurate and timely documentation
  • IT literate with Microsoft Office and Outlook experience
  • You will be required to work within Health & Safety guidelines as set by the company

Benefits on offer include:

  • Company vehicle
  • Mobile phone
  • Pension scheme
  • Death in service benefit
  • Uniform and tools provided#

Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week plus 1 in 3 weekend cover.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Field Service Technician – Chelmsford / Ilford
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Chelmsford, Ilford
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913708
About the role

Due to continued growth, a world-leading provider of vehicle washing technology is recruiting a Field Service Technician to service a customer base in the Chelmsford / Ilford area.

The role involves servicing and installing car and commercial valet equipment. You will be involved in all aspects of planned maintenance, breakdown repairs, equipment servicing, and general repairs. Responsibilities also include maintaining van stock levels and completing job sheets.

Role requirements include:

  • Having an Electrical or Mechanical engineering qualification
  • Be willing to travel and stay out overnight as and when required
  • Be willing to take on additional training and relevant courses, including evening courses that the company may pay for
  • Working on your own initiative or part of a team, and have problem-solving skills
  • Have a valid, clean UK driving licence
  • Good people skills, presentable and able to liaise directly with customers
  • Being punctual and able to keep accurate and timely documentation
  • IT literate with Microsoft Office and Outlook experience
  • You will be required to work within Health & Safety guidelines as set by the company

Benefits on offer include:

  • Company vehicle
  • Mobile phone
  • Pension scheme
  • Death in service benefit
  • Uniform and tools provided#

Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week plus 1 in 3 weekend cover.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Field Service Technician – Bromley / Redhill
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Bromley, Redhill
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913710
About the role

Due to continued growth, a world-leading provider of vehicle washing technology is recruiting a Field Service Technician to service a customer base in the Bromley/Redhill area.

The role involves servicing and installing car and commercial valet equipment. You will be involved in all aspects of planned maintenance, breakdown repairs, equipment servicing, and general repairs. Responsibilities also include maintaining van stock levels and completing job sheets.

Role requirements include:

  • Having an Electrical or Mechanical engineering qualification
  • Be willing to travel and stay out overnight as and when required
  • Be willing to take on additional training and relevant courses, including evening courses that the company may pay for
  • Working on your own initiative or part of a team, and have problem-solving skills
  • Have a valid, clean UK driving licence
  • Good people skills, presentable and able to liaise directly with customers
  • Being punctual and able to keep accurate and timely documentation
  • IT literate with Microsoft Office and Outlook experience
  • You will be required to work within Health & Safety guidelines as set by the company

Benefits on offer include:

  • Company vehicle
  • Mobile phone
  • Pension scheme
  • Death in service benefit
  • Uniform and tools provided#

Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week plus 1 in 3 weekend cover.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Flexi/Bendi Driver
Sector: Transport, Logistics and Shipping
Salary: £12.75 per hour
Location: Witham
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary
Job ref: 16797466
About the role

Just Temps is seeking Flexi/Bendi Drivers for a company based in Witham.

This is an immediate start, temp-to-perm opportunity role!

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

About the role:

This is a varied role where you will support the Team, Coordinators, and Warehouse Manager in the daily operations of the warehouse, helping to ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations while maintaining the highest standards of customer service and operational efficiency.

Duties will include:

  • Loading and unloading goods from deliveries
  • Checking for damaged or missing items
  • Accepting incoming goods and comparing them with the shipping document (material number, description, quantity)
  • Storing goods in warehouses using manual processes or MHE
  • Making sure any loads are safe and secure
  • Tidying and stacking empty pallets
  • Picking and packing orders for dispatch
  • Moving stock around either by hand, using lifting equipment or a forklift truck
  • Loading goods for dispatch
  • Inputting data regarding stock and inventory into a computerised system
  • Carrying out stock counts as and when required
  • Managing, completing, and keeping paperwork to the required standards
  • Operating safely and in full compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations to ensure your own safety and the safety of others
  • Keeping areas of work clean and tidy to ensure safety and operational efficiency
  • Making recommendations to aid efficiency and add value
  • Other general warehouse duties as required

Role requirements:

  • Ideally, you will have an accredited licence, although the company will consider in-house certificates
  • Demonstrates a hands-on commitment to getting the job done whilst adhering to deadlines

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Warehouse Supervisor
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: Competitive
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913695
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for a growing organisation, based on the outskirts of Colchester, looking to add another Warehouse Supervisor to their team.

The key purpose of the role is to work closely with the senior management team, supervising the warehouse and completing all associated tasks as expected.

Duties include:

  • Manage employees’ day-to-day activities to ensure they are meeting their goals and deadlines
  • Supervise employees and direct work as they undertake activities related to returns, re-works, order fulfilment and order management
  • Monitor employee performance to ensure they are meeting company standards
  • Work closely with the General Manager to monitor staff levels and adjust accordingly
  • Perform regular Quality Audits, documenting the results
  • Work closely with the Customer Account Manager to ensure any issues are resolved quickly and effectively with minimal disruption to both the customer and the company
  • Ensure all Health & Safety regulations and relevant laws are adhered to
  • Monitor depot housekeeping, ensuring a clean and safe work area is maintained
  • Work closely with the Senior Management Team to ensure that work tasks are completed on time and within budget
  • Supervise the training of new employees
  • Coordinate with colleagues on the retrieval of stock replenishment and outsourced stock

Key requirements for this role:

  • Have previous warehouse experience or proven experience with a leadership position in a similar role
  • Have excellent communication and problem-solving skills
  • Have proven leadership and employee management skills
  • Have knowledge of warehouse management systems (WMS)
  • Hold a valid Forklift Licence

This role is located in a great working environment with free parking available on-site.

Please note that due to the company’s location, you will need to have access to your own transport.

Working hours:

8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
You are required to work 2 x Saturdays out of 4 (with a day off in lieu that week).

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more