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Original poster

Soft credit search - William Hill - anti money laundering

16 replies

daffodilandtulip · 03/01/2023 23:01

Does anyone know why a soft search from William Hill is showing on my credit history, the reason for searching being anti money laundering?

I don't have an account with William Hill (assuming it's the betting agency) and didn't apply for anything or make any significant transactions on the date it was searched.

OP posts:
Pothoswithasparkle · 03/01/2023 23:07

Any other bookies you joined? Lots of them are one family. Otherwise I would report a concern to credit agency. They can guide you on how to find out what's up

Goawayangryman · 03/01/2023 23:08

Does your partner do matched betting using your details by any chance?? Or someone else in your family?

Original poster
daffodilandtulip · 03/01/2023 23:22

There's no adults in my family and I can see my children's search history. Never opened an account in my life.

I've done a bit more digging and there's a second gambling company with three different checks as well, a few months ago.

OP posts:
BarbaraofSeville · 04/01/2023 07:52

Could any of your children have set up a gambling account in your name, as they wouldn't be able to use their own details as underage? Obviously less unlikely if they are 15 rather than 5.

Original poster
daffodilandtulip · 04/01/2023 08:13

No, I can see all of their search history.

OP posts:
AuditAngel · 04/01/2023 08:17

I work in a completely different industry (professional services) and we run AML checks on new clients. These are referred to as “soft footprint” searches.

given the additional searches from another betting company, it suggests that someone has set up numerous online betting accounts using your details.

my suggestion would be to raise a data subject access request for each entity that has searched you. Then, once done, you may consider it appropriate to ask them t9 delete all your data under the “right to be forgotten”. This won’t remove the AML data as the law requires this to be retained for 6 years after the cessation or “your” relationship with the business, but would mean any existing accounts using your details would get closed,

TimeForMeToF1y · 04/01/2023 08:17

daffodilandtulip · 04/01/2023 08:13

No, I can see all of their search history.

How old are they? Search histories can be deleted, do you all only have access to one internet device?

Quitelikeit · 04/01/2023 08:18

An ex maybe?

Pothoswithasparkle · 04/01/2023 08:29

From my experience it has to be someone with card in your name. Bookies wouldn't let me use husband's card on my account

Goawayangryman · 04/01/2023 10:08

Yep, bookies are generally quite strict these days. It's hard to do transactions without a physical bank card in your possession, and without submitting ID, often, as well.

If your kids are teens I'd bet they have tried to set up accounts to do matched betting or just regular betting ;) maybe availing themselves of intro offers on the world cup.

Other than that, it could be identity theft/ unlawful action by a previous partner.

Glitteratitar · 04/01/2023 10:09

daffodilandtulip · 04/01/2023 08:13

No, I can see all of their search history.

Not if they browse in private mode.

Goawayangryman · 04/01/2023 10:10

And if kids are older, unless you have something on your hub to capture traffic data then you've got no chance of knowing their internet history/ sites they have visited. Especially if they are using a VPN like Thunder, Brave, etc. Although if they are, they will come a cropper with gambling sites anyway ...

Original poster
daffodilandtulip · 04/01/2023 10:19

On apple with parent sharing, you can see the time spent on any page. Internet history is probably the wrong word, but whatever it is, they can't delete it. (And believe me, we've had some awkward times 🙈)

OP posts:
Goawayangryman · 04/01/2023 11:13

I don't use apple so don't know how that works. Does that prevent them downloading new apps? What about friends' devices, or their other parent's, if they see them?

Before you go to the bookies direct to flag up the erroneous account opening attempts, (using your details) I'd just ask your kids and warn them that using fake details to open gambling accounts is unlawful and likely to result in legal trouble for them. You're planning to contact the bookies, just checking before going ahead that you doing so, isn't going to land them in trouble. Give them a chance to fess up. It may well not be them and just be some randomer with your details but I'd say always look closest to home first.

Kids are so tech savvy. My 12 year old would have zero issue accessing websites I know nothing about, if they felt so inclined, despite me taking hardcore security measures for their internet usage. I can't control what friends' parents or relatives do, for one.

messybutfun · 04/01/2023 12:07

Anybody doing credit checks needs your permission. Firstly, I would contact the companies explaining that you have not given any permissions and what these searches relate to. I imagine it is ID theft and you want them stopped right now before they apply for loans.

Blonde94 · 20/03/2023 11:04

Hi did you ever find out why this happend.
I have just checked my credit report and i have the same thing..

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