Publication

What you need to know about CIFAS markers

National Fraud Database

CIFAS fraud markers are adverse judgements through which one institution, be it a bank, loan company or an insurer, for example, can warn another about risks associated with a potential customer. CIFAS provides the platform for the warning to be registered, in the form of a marker on the National Fraud Database. CIFAS markers can be applied for a wide variety of reasons, with people who have found themselves victims of online fraud discovering they have a CIFAS marker.

Enhanced Internal Fraud Database

CIFAS also runs the Enhanced Internal Fraud Database for employers. Members of the Enhanced Internal Fraud Database can conduct searches against it to ensure that their current or potential employees have not been filed for dishonest actions(fraud, theft from customers), bribery and corruption, improper disclosure of personal data to third parties).

CIFAS markers have a range of consequences and here we’ll answer some of the more commonly asked questions regarding them.

Can I get a job with a CIFAS marker on the Enhanced Internal Fraud Database?

Unfortunately, having a CIFAS marker against your name on the Enhanced Internal Fraud Database can prevent you securing employment in some professions, most notably the civil service. It can have consequences for membership of professional bodies that may be required for a particular job. If you wish to work in financial services you may also find it challenging if you have a CIFAS marker.

CIFAS markers are adverse fraud markers which otherwise give the employer little information about why you have received one. Therefore, anyone whose employment places them in a position of trust, particularly where finances or security are concerned, may find that it has real consequences for their employment and career prospects. It’s important therefore to find out the situation in your industry prior to making a career decision.

Do employers check the CIFAS Enhanced Internal Fraud Database?

Whether or not an employer checks for CIFAS markers for a potential or existing employer will depend on the industry or profession. Jobs with high-levels of trust and security access will usually require the candidate to go through a number of different security checks such as DBS, and a check for CIFAS markers might be included.

Different employers will have various approaches if they discover an employee or candidate has a CIFAS marker. For some, it will be mean that employment will be terminated or a job offer withdrawn. Others may ask for more information about the reasons for the CIFAS marker and will make a judgement on a case-by case basis.

Can I open a bank account with a CIFAS marker on the National Fraud Database?

Depending on the type of bank account you wish to open, the institution and the nature of your CIFAS marker, it can in some circumstances lead to your application being rejected.

If you wish to apply for an account with an overdraft facility you may find it difficult. It may still be a problem if you wish to open an account without a borrowing facility.

It’s important to remember that CIFAS markers act as a warning sign to potential institutions that an individual presents a risk of committing fraud or money laundering. In the worse cases, a CIFAS marker can prevent you from securing any kind of credit or opening a bank account.

If you wish to open a bank account with a financial institution it may be prudent to speak to them about your CIFAS marker prior to submitting your application. Some may take a more flexible approach or be able to offer a basic bank account with limited features.

Does a CIFAS marker on either the National Fraud Database or Enhanced Internal Fraud Database count towards a criminal record?

CIFAS markers do not on their own count towards a criminal record. CIFAS does not hold any data relating to criminal records, and the CIFAS National Fraud Database and Enhanced Internal Fraud Databases are entirely separate from any data that relates to criminal records. However, if your CIFAS marker was received because you were involved in criminal activity for which you were convicted in court, then this will be featured on your criminal record.

Points to remember

Any CIFAS member that received a CIFAS warning from the system is not allowed to automatically refuse an application or to withdraw a service. They are required to make further enquiries to confirm the personal identification details of the applicant before they reach any decision.

If a fraud is identified they may choose to request more details from the applicant. If the fraud appears to be of a serious enough nature to warrant caution, they will normally not proceed with an application or may review a facility or employment.

Professional advice

At Jeremy Gordon, we have extensive experience of advising individuals how to request the removal of CIFAS markers. For more advice about CIFAS markers, speak to our expert team today.