I dispute a CIFAS warning recorded in myname. How can I get it amended or removed?

CIFAS operates a formal complaints procedure which is outlined below. 

Following this procedure is the quickest way to resolve your dispute.  Please note that CIFAS will not become involved in a dispute until the CIFAS Member to which you have complained has issued a Final Response letter. CIFAS may request a copy of this letter before looking into your case.

1. First Steps

First, you are advised to confirm exactly what data has been recorded about you.

The CIFAS Member who has processed your application (or proposal, claim form or employment application) will let you know which databases they used in assessing your application, etc.

Please follow the guidance set out on the following page: How can I find out if there is CIFAS data or other data registered in my name?

2. CIFAS Member organisation

If a CIFAS warning is registered in your name and you wish to dispute this and/or wish to enquire why it was recorded, you should first write to the CIFAS Member organisation who recorded the data. CIFAS Member organisations are responsible for the accuracy of their data.

When writing to the CIFAS Member to dispute CIFAS data you should:

• Ask for the matter to be registered formally as a complaint.
• Detail exactly what you are complaining about, giving a full explanation as to why you consider that the CIFAS warning is unwarranted.
• Enclose copies of any relevant documents to support your case and copies of any correspondence that you have received.

The CIFAS Member will investigate your complaint and respond to you. CIFAS Members operate their own internal complaints procedures and can either send you details of the procedure or advise you what to do.

It may be that, after investigation, the CIFAS Member agrees that your complaint is justified. In such a situation, they may amend the details held about you on the CIFAS database, or may remove them entirely.

If you are not satisfied with the response of the CIFAS Member, write to them and ask that they issue a Final Response letter. This confirms that the Member's complaints procedure has been exhausted.

CIFAS suggests that you should keep a copy of all correspondence.

CIFAS will not become involved in a dispute until the CIFAS Member has issued a Final Response letter. CIFAS may request a copy of this letter before looking into your case.

3. CIFAS investigation

If you are unhappy with the final response given by the CIFAS Member organisation and have a copy of the Final Response letter, you may ask CIFAS to investigate.

When a Final Response letter has been issued, please supply the following information to enable CIFAS to investigate your complaint:

• Your full name and date of birth.
• Your current address and any other address(es) you have lived at (or used) in the last 5 years. A copy of the Final Response letter issued by the CIFAS Member concerned, plus copies of any other relevant correspondence.
• A brief explanation as to why you consider that the CIFAS warning is unwarranted.
• Copies of any relevant documents and correspondence to support your case.

Post your complaint and supporting documents to CIFAS.

CIFAS :

• will contact the Member concerned and review the details of your complaint
• will confirm whether the Member followed the correct procedures.
• aims to resolve your complaint within 14 days
• does not have the power to recommend financial awards

4. Industry Complaints Scheme

If you are not satisfied with the response from CIFAS (or if you do not want CIFAS to investigate your complaint), you may address your complaint to the industry complaint scheme to which the CIFAS Member belongs.

The CIFAS Member will, on request, inform you of the relevant scheme, and each scheme can provide details of its procedures to resolve complaints. Some of the schemes are able to recommend financial awards if they find in your favour and against their Member.

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