Please explain this attempted fraud to me

[DappledThings]

A few days ago I received a new credit card in the post. This was something I hadn't applied for and was a business account with the name of a business I didn't recognise and didn't relate to anything when I googled.

I reported it to Action Fraud and once they gave me a crime reference number I cancelled the card. I've also checked my bank and spoken to them. No DDs have been set up in relation to this. On advice of Action Fraud I've also set up an Experian account to check for any activity.

There's no record on Experian of the application or of anything else untoward.

So what was the aim? Was someone hoping to run up debts in my name? If so how were they planning to get hold of the card? By intercepting the post? Wouldn't that be really unlikely? Or if they were planning to say it was lost then ask for a replacement to a new address wouldn't that depend on me not having cancelled it etc as I did.

We did move recently and it was sent to.my old address and redirected. Was it someone who knew I'd moved and hoped there was no redirect so they'd be able to get hold of it?

Was it in your name? If not, and a business name, how did it get redirected?

If this was a business card nothing will show up on your credit file as the business will have a separate credit file. It could just be a genuine error if it wasn't in your name. It should have only been addressed to the business (all of my things are and I'm only a sole trader) and should never have been redirected. If it is in your name then the person who has moved into your old address was probably hoping to run up debts in your name.

It was in my name and with the name.of.a business. So my name and old address on the letter and my name and the name.of a business on the card. Along with the word business.

So they weren't expecting a redirect for the post. They would have run up a bill on the card and not paid it, leaving creditors to come after you.

So it has to be someone who knows I've moved? Not our buyers I'm sure. They also definitely knew we'd set up a redirect

This was more likely a bogus business set up or shown on forged paperwork. As most cc companies want paperwork emailed through to show identity and proof etc. Well done for redirecting the post. Would not be surprised if this is an old neighbour or someone who knew about the move, or/plus even an inside job. We all know underwriters agree to cc etc and they are normal people at the end of the day. Sounds dodgy to me. And yet most definitely once the cc was in their hands they would have used it. However doubt you would have ever been left with the debt as there is no link between you and the business. Just be glad you didn't get that far to find out.

What's registered at companies House for that business name and address

There's no address for the business on the letter. Only business I can find that has closest name is some design agency. I've emailed them just in case there is any connection but I doubt I'll hear back.

It doesn't have to be a registered business or even an actual business to get the card. Anyone can walk into a bank and say they are starting a business and open an account or get a credit card.

Just seems like a lot of effort as would only work if I didn't have a redirect on and therefore wouldn't receive the card to cancel it. Maybe more people don't do so than I realised.

Erm re the banks they are ask for company house certificate to confirm the opening of a business. As for cc companies i’m surprised they don’t - company house can take a while to update online. I would suggest you keep watch.

Go ask the new owners of your house who has asked for your mail.

MrsPear what about businesses that aren't limited or registered with companies house? I'm a sole trader and I have a business bank account and two business credit cards. At no point have I been asked to prove my business is in existence. Yet my trading name has a credit file of its own and it is not a limited company.

We have the same situation here delilahbucket - it's definitely possible to open a business account where the card shows exactly as OP describes for a sole trader's trading name

There are other credit companies you can check with not just Experian. Clearscore helps with Experian and theres noddle to. Sure others can think of more.