How to remove a fraudulent account from Experian
Someone has opened accounts in your name and they’re showing up on your Experian report. That’s identity fraud, and it’s understandably alarming. The clean-up takes longer than other disputes, but Experian must remove anything confirmed as fraudulent.
First things first: you need a crime reference number from Action Fraud before Experian or any lender will investigate.
Key takeaways
- Free to dispute — your legal right under CCA s.159 and UK GDPR.
- Experian must respond within 28 days.
- Lender has 28 days to respond to Experian’s enquiry.
- Check your Experian report free via Free Experian account.
How to dispute with Experian
Report to Action Fraud first (actionfraud.police.uk, 0300 123 2040) and get a crime reference number.
Log in to your Experian account and submit a dispute referencing the fraudulent account. Provide your Action Fraud reference number and proof of identity.
Experian has a dedicated Victims of Fraud team who handle these cases. They contact the lender to verify.
Also apply for CIFAS Protective Registration (£30/2 years) at cifas.org.uk to flag future applications.
Experian-specific tips
Experian’s Victims of Fraud team is a dedicated resource. If you’re dealing with multiple fraudulent accounts, contact them directly via phone (0344 481 8000) rather than using the online dispute form.
Evidence you’ll need
- Your Action Fraud crime reference number is essential — Experian and lenders won’t investigate without it. Also gather proof of identity (passport, driving licence), proof of address at the time the fraudulent applications were made, and any evidence you didn’t apply (travel records showing you were abroad, address mismatch).
- Experian has a dedicated Victims of Fraud team who handle these cases. Upload evidence through your free Experian account in PDF, JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, or TIFF (max 5 MB per file). For multiple fraudulent accounts, contact the Victims of Fraud team directly via phone (0344 481 8000) rather than using the online form. Also apply for CIFAS Protective Registration (£30 for 2 years) at cifas.org.uk.
Timeline
Fraud investigations on Experian are slower than standard disputes. Each lender investigates the fraudulent account separately, which can take 30+ days. Experian removes the data once the lender confirms fraud. Total process: typically 4–8 weeks.
Experian’s Victims of Fraud team may coordinate with multiple lenders simultaneously if several accounts are affected. They acknowledge contact within 1–2 working days and add a “disputed” flag to the entries during investigation.
If your dispute is rejected
If the lender disputes that it’s fraud, escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service. If Experian isn’t cooperating with the investigation, complain to the ICO under UK GDPR (processing inaccurate data without lawful basis).
Experian’s complaints freephone is 0800 013 8888, or email [email protected]. Postal complaints: Customer Relations Team, PO Box 8000, Nottingham, NG80 7WF. If the fraud has caused you financial loss, you may also wish to seek legal advice.
FAQs
Does CIFAS Protective Registration appear on my Experian 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 Experian?
Typically 4–8 weeks, as the lender must investigate and confirm fraud before Experian removes the data.
Dispute this on another CRA
Other disputes on Experian
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