How to remove a fraudulent account from Equifax
Someone has opened accounts in your name and they’re showing up on your Equifax report. That’s identity fraud, and it’s understandably alarming. The clean-up takes longer than other disputes, but Equifax must remove anything confirmed as fraudulent.
First things first: you need a crime reference number from Action Fraud before Equifax or any lender will investigate.
Key takeaways
- Free to dispute — your legal right under CCA s.159 and UK GDPR.
- Equifax must respond within 28 days.
- Lender has 21 days to respond to Equifax’s enquiry.
- Check your Equifax report free via ClearScore.
How to dispute with Equifax
Report to Action Fraud first and get a crime reference number.
Use the Online Help portal at help.equifax.co.uk/EquifaxOnlineHelp. Select “CIFAS/Fraud information” as the dispute category. Provide your Action Fraud reference and proof of identity.
Equifax investigates by contacting the lender. The lender must confirm fraud before Equifax removes the data.
Equifax-specific tips
Equifax has a specific “CIFAS/Fraud information” dispute category — use this rather than “Financial Account information” for fraud cases. It routes your dispute to the right team.
Evidence you’ll need
- You must have an Action Fraud crime reference number before Equifax or any lender will investigate. Also prepare proof of identity (passport, driving licence), proof of address at the time of the fraudulent applications, and evidence you didn’t apply (travel records, address mismatch).
- Upload evidence through the Online Help portal at help.equifax.co.uk/EquifaxOnlineHelp, selecting “CIFAS/Fraud information” as the category — not “Financial Account information”. This routes your dispute to the right team. Standard formats (PDF, JPEG, PNG) are accepted. Apply for CIFAS Protective Registration (£30 for 2 years) to flag future applications.
Timeline
Fraud investigations take longer than standard Equifax disputes. Each lender investigates separately, and while Equifax’s standard lender window is 21 days, fraud investigations often take 30+ days. Equifax removes the data once the lender confirms fraud. Total process: typically 4–8 weeks.
Equifax confirms receipt within 24 hours and adds a dispute flag to the entries. If you have multiple fraudulent accounts, each one is investigated separately, which can extend the timeline.
If your dispute is rejected
If the lender maintains the account is genuine, escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service. If Equifax isn’t cooperating with the investigation, complain to the ICO.
Equifax has an alternative dispute form at disputeuk.zendesk.com for re-submissions. Formal complaints go to [email protected] or call 0800 014 2955. The FOS can order the lender to remove the fraudulent data and award compensation.
FAQs
Does CIFAS Protective Registration appear on my Equifax report?
No. CIFAS protection does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your score. It only adds a warning flag in the CIFAS National Fraud Database.
How long does fraud removal take on Equifax?
Typically 4–8 weeks, as the lender must investigate and confirm fraud before Equifax removes the data.
Dispute this on another CRA
Other disputes on Equifax
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