How has a fraudster taken out a contract in my name without my bank details?

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone

Over the last week, I've been targeted by a fraudster several times. They have taken out mobile insurance & a  24-month contract out in my name. I was informed of this by the 'welcome' letters 02 have sent to my address. I checked with 02, & they have not used my bank details, so how have they managed to do this? Surely, they would need to use my bank details otherwise what is the point? I don't understand.

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

I'm not clever enough to fully understand how these frauds work but for sure it should be passed to the fraud dept at O2 to investigate it thoroughly.
Obviously, you need to be changing all your passwords etc and running virus scans on your computer equipment in case you have some software that has been installed and passing your details on elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

How could a credit check be performed without O2 having your bank details. I dont see how a new account could be set up......unless, do you already have an O2 account? If so, the fraudsters have additional an additional connection your account.

As @MI5 says, inform the fraud team ASAP.

[Anonymous]

This is only a question I have related to this. Can they just pick a random persons name & basic details then sign up using their own credit or debit card?

[Cleoriff]

Good grief. This is all a bit worrying!!

[madasaf1sh]

In certain retailers yes, as long as they have something in the persons name and with their address, and say they will pay by debit card each month, the proof of id is via a chip and pin transaction for a £1.00, you can also give a different name to what the account is in, as their is no verification of bank account details until it is submitted to the bank for payment.  

Example:

You give the name as Mr T Fonica

Account 0101010101

SortCode **Personal info**

As long as the sortcode and Acc Number are validated then no issue until presentation... 

[mavericke]

A while ago, I was targeted by fraudster pretending to have sent me emails from O2 and Vodafone. In fact, it was just a scam. I have quickly reported the matter to O2 and Vodafone without clicking on any links on the email itself.

I would suggest that when you sign up for a mobile contract or any contracts, never agree to receive any marketing information. You should also change your password to a more robust password as kindly suggested by one of the contributors here. 

Good luck!

[Martin-O2]

Welcome to the community @Anonymous Sorry you had to join under such circumstances  Have you had a chance to speak to the fraud team yet?