Credit Building > Does CIFAS protection registration work?

Does CIFAS protection registration work?

Wollit Team1 minute read · Updated 16th September 2024

CIFAS stands for Credit Industry Fraud Avoidance System. It is a non-profit association that offers a Protective Registration service which is aimed to help people who may be at risk of identity theft. Here is how this CIFAS protection registration works, how effective it is, and what it means for your credit and ability to get a loan.

What is CIFAS protective registration?

CIFAS Protective Registration is a fraud prevention service meant to protect people whose personal information may have been compromised.

We’re talking about things like:

Loss or theft of personal documents;
Data breaches involving your personal information;
Police warnings about potential identity theft.

When you register for the CIFAS Protective Registration, a warning flag is placed on your credit file. This flag alerts lenders and other organisations to take extra precautions when verifying your identity. This doesn’t completely freeze your credit report but it does significantly reduce the risk of fraudulent activities in your name.

How does the protective registration actually work?

Getting protective registration for your credit file is quite straightforward:

First register online on the CIFAS website. You’ll need to provide just a bit of information and pay the £30 fee (which protects you for two years).
Once you’ve paid the fee, CIFAS places a protective marker on your credit file. This marker stays there for up to two years, and can be renewed if you need it.
When a lender checks your credit file, they will see the CIFAS marker. This prompts them to conduct additional checks before approving any applications for credit or services.
CIFAS also monitors your credit file for any suspicious activity. If they see anything suspicious they’ll alert you so you can take action – like reporting it to the police and to the relevant bank.

How effective is CIFAS protective registration?

CIFAS Protective Registration can be highly effective, especially if you do it before any identity theft actually happens.

It’s basically a deterrent, making it harder for fraudsters to open accounts or access credit in the individual's name. It’s also easier to use than a credit freeze, which locks even you out of opening new credit accounts.

Does CIFAS protective registration affect my credit score?

CIFAS Protective Registration itself does not have any impact on your credit score.

However, having a protective marker can lead to more stringent verification processes when applying for loans or credit products.

This could potentially mean delayed approvals or additional documentation. This can mean a longer process and can make it a bit more difficult for you to get credit quickly.