How to remove a fraudulent account from TransUnion
Someone has opened accounts in your name and they’re showing up on your TransUnion report. That’s identity fraud, and it’s understandably alarming. The clean-up takes longer than other disputes, but TransUnion must remove anything confirmed as fraudulent.
First things first: you need a crime reference number from Action Fraud before TransUnion or any lender will investigate.
Key takeaways
- Free to dispute — your legal right under CCA s.159 and UK GDPR.
- TransUnion must respond within 28 days.
- Lender has 28 days to respond to TransUnion’s enquiry.
- Check your TransUnion report free via Credit Karma.
How to dispute with TransUnion
Report to Action Fraud first and get a crime reference number.
Go to transunionstatreport.co.uk and dispute the fraudulent account. Upload your Action Fraud reference and proof of identity.
TransUnion places a Notice of Dispute on the entry. If the lender doesn’t respond within 28 days, TransUnion’s policy is to suppress or remove the data.
Alternatively, email [email protected] with full details.
TransUnion-specific tips
TransUnion’s stated 28-day removal policy is valuable for fraud cases where the lender that opened the fraudulent account may be slow to investigate. The Notice of Dispute also protects you while the investigation is ongoing.
Evidence you’ll need
- An Action Fraud crime reference number is the essential first step — TransUnion and lenders require it before investigating. Gather 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 showing you lived elsewhere).
- TransUnion accepts up to 5 documents per dispute in JPG, JPEG, PDF, or TIFF format. Upload via transunionstatreport.co.uk or email to [email protected]. Apply for CIFAS Protective Registration (£30 for 2 years) at cifas.org.uk to protect against further fraudulent applications.
Timeline
Fraud investigations on TransUnion are slower than standard disputes. Each lender investigates separately, which can take 30+ days. TransUnion removes the data once the lender confirms fraud. Total process: typically 4–8 weeks.
TransUnion automatically places a Notice of Dispute (NOD) on each fraudulent entry, visible to lenders and signalling the data is under investigation. If a lender doesn’t respond within 28 days, TransUnion’s policy is to suppress or remove the data — valuable when the company behind the fraudulent account may be slow to respond. Credit Karma users should allow an extra 7 days for the refresh.
If your dispute is rejected
If the lender disputes that it’s fraud, escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service. If TransUnion isn’t cooperating, complain to the ICO under UK GDPR.
TransUnion must acknowledge formal complaints within 5 working days and respond within 8 weeks. Email [email protected] or post to PO Box 647, Hull, HU9 9QZ. The NOD placed during investigation remains visible to lenders. If you experience financial loss from the fraud, keep records for potential compensation claims through the FOS.
FAQs
Does CIFAS Protective Registration appear on my TransUnion 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 TransUnion?
Typically 4–8 weeks, as the lender must investigate and confirm fraud before TransUnion removes the data.
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