Has anyone come across this before?
Client submitted TC claim after baby born. (Single parent; first child; not previously on TCs). Contacted by TCO with security questions so she can prove she is who she says she is. TCO say to her that they have arrangement with Experian & have her Experian credit record. They ask her to tell them one of her debts. Client tells them she is in a Debt Relief Order & doesn't know whether any debts are still on her record, but one of them was to XXX. TCO then ask her how long that debt was taken out for. Client tells them she can't remember - it was several years ago when she was about 19. She is then told she hasn't satisfied them she is who she says she is, & she will have to attend an interview at the nearest Tax Enquiry Office before they can process her claim.
We helped client get her Debt Relief Order so have her Experian credit record. On checking it we find the debt concerned was taken out in Nov. 2003 for 26 months.
And the client is expected to remember this without delay off the top of her head in a phone call getting on for 7 years later!!!!!
Am I being unreasonable in being absolutely furious at this? I know they have to take steps to avoid fraud but surely the application of an iota of brain power and commonsense would make them realise this is not the sort of information anyone is at all likely to carry in their head - particularly so long after the event?
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