1 - What is Protective Registration?
2 - How much does it cost?
3 - What will happen when I apply for credit or other services?
4 - Will the Protective Registration Service contact me when someone uses my details, or to check that it is me who is applying?
5 - Can signing up for Protective Registration adversely affect my credit rating?
6 - Will Protective Registration affect credit/debit card transactions?
7 - How long is the Registration for, and can I remove it?
8 - What if I move address or change telephone number - can I update my details?
9 - Does the Registration cover just me or all my family at my address?
10 - Do I have to live at the address that I want to register?
11 - What should I do if there is a problem with my post?
12 - Can I take out Protective Registration for a deceased relative?
13 - How safe is my data?
14 - What if I don't want to send my personal details through the post?
15 - Where can I get further information on identity theft / fraud?

1 - What is Protective Registration?

The CIFAS Protective Registration Service enables a person who is at greater risk of being, or already is, a victim of identity theft or identity fraud to place a protective warning on their credit file. Examples of risk include being a victim of crime or a data loss. Any CIFAS Member (e.g. a bank or building society) that sees a CIFAS Protective Registration filing will take extra precautions to ensure that the application or account that prompted the search is genuine.

2 - How much does it cost?

The cost is £14.10 (including VAT) a year.

3 - What will happen when I apply for credit or other services?

As a result of the entry CIFAS Members will undertake additional verification checks to ascertain that the applicant is genuine and not a fraudster trying to commit identity theft. This may mean that you experience delays while these checks are made.

4 - Will the Protective Registration Service contact me when someone uses my details, or to check that it is me who is applying?

No. In the majority of cases the CIFAS Member (e.g. a bank or building society) who sees the Protective Registration warning will be able to determine whether the application is genuine through the extra verification checks they make. Occasionally it may be necessary for the CIFAS Member to contact you to confirm some personal information.

5 - Can signing up for Protective Registration adversely affect my credit rating?

No. Information shared through CIFAS is not used to calculate credit worthiness - it is only used for the prevention and detection of fraud.

6 - Will Protective Registration affect credit/debit card transactions?

No. CIFAS warnings are only used in the processing of new applications for products or services or the administration of existing accounts and services or insurance policies.

7 - How long is the Registration for, and can I remove it?

The registration will remain for approximately one year. You can request the removal of the Protective Registration at any time by writing to us. We will contact you in advance of the expiry of the Registration to ask if you wish to extend it.

8 - What if I move address or change telephone number - can I update my details?

Yes - please call to update your personal details.

9 - Does the Registration cover just me or all my family at my address?

Each person at an address who wishes to have Protective Registration must apply separately.

10 - Do I have to live at the address that I want to register?

Yes, you must live at the address for which you wish to apply for Protective Registration. This does apply in situations where a person is renting out a property whilst living elsewhere (e.g. abroad). If you are worried about post going to a previous address, the Royal Mail Redirection Service can stop this (Royal Mail Customer Care on 08457 740 740 or www.royalmail.com).

11 - What should I do if there is a problem with my post?

If you suspect your mail is being stolen, or a mail redirection application has been made in your name without your knowledge, contact Royal Mail Customer Care on 08457 740 740 or www.royalmail.com.

12 - Can I take out Protective Registration for a deceased relative?

Yes - please fill out the application form in the name of your relative and return it with a covering letter explaining the situation, along with a photocopy of the death certificate. The covering letter should also include your contact details.

13 - How safe is my data?

We take the security of your data very seriously. Only Member organisations and only trained staff within each Member can access the data, and the database itself is hosted at a secure data centre. The secure data centre has industry standard security software to prevent unauthorised access to the data. Annual independent audits are undertaken to test the security and the facilities are ISO 27001 accredited.

14 - What if I don't want to send my personal details through the post?

Protective Registration can be taken out over the telephone on 0330 1000 180*.

Please only use this telephone number for Protective Registration matters; for any other CIFAS queries, please click here.

15 - Where can I get further information on identity theft / fraud?

The Government and financial industries have jointly produced a guide to protecting your identity, available at www.identitytheft.org.uk. Copies of the leaflet may also be available at your local Citizens Advice, public library and police station. The CIFAS website www.cifas.org.uk also has useful information.

* Calls to 03 numbers cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number and must count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls. These rules apply to calls from any type of line including mobile, BT, other fixed line or payphone. There is no revenue sharing – where the dialled party can receive a share of what the consumer pays to make a call – on calls to 03 numbers.