TLDR: The Experian address match checks a client's name, DOB, and address against multiple databases for high-risk indicators like mortality files, age verification, address mismatches, mail redirection, and credit inconsistencies. If flagged, clients should clarify errors or contact Experian directly for details. Thirdfort cannot access these databases or provide further information.
High Risk Indicators
The Experian address match takes the client's name and date of birth, and checks the Experian database for matches of these details against the residential address provided in the app. As part of the address match, Experian check a variety of sources for further indicators of risk.
These sources are databases such as mortality files, credit application files, the electoral roll and the Royal Mail register, among others. If any high-risk indicators are found on the client's file, these will be outlined on the Further Information section of the address match report.
High Risk Alerts:
| Alert category | Text on report | Reason |
| Mortality file | "Applicant Name found on the [ONS/Millenium/CAIS] Mortality file." |
Mortality databases contain information on individuals who are thought to be deceased. If this flag is raised on a client's report, it means a match against their name and/or DOB has been found on a mortality file. If this result seems incorrect, there is likely be a legitimate reason (mistaken entry on database, same name and DoB as a deceased parent, etc), however this could be an indicator that the individual being verified is trying to steal the identity of someone deceased. |
| Age Verification | "Age match found but No DOB Match found" | This flag indicates that the provided date of birth has not been matched with what's held on the Experian database. This is usually because the client has made an error entering their date of birth. |
| Address | "No trace of supplied Address" | This flag indicates that the provided address has not been matched with what's held on the Experian database. This is usually because the client has made an error entering their address. |
| "Royal Mail NCOA" | The National Change of Address (NCOA) database stores records of redirected mail requests. Someone's mail could be being redirected for a legitimate reason. However an NCOA alert could also be an indicator that a bad actor is intercepting someone's mail. |
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| Credit application history | "Significant data inconsistencies present" |
Experian search a client's history of applications for credit for instances of their address. This note will appear on the report if a client has made multiple applications for credit and used different personal data from one to another application. |
What should I do if a high-risk indicator appears on a report?
Thirdfort do not have direct access to any of the databases listed above, and are unable to obtain any further information on the reason for the flag. In many cases, a client will be able to clarify the reason for a flag under this section - if they are aware of a mail redirect on their address, or have entered an incorrect date of birth for example.
If the client is unaware of the reason for the flag and wants to understand more or change their records, the best course of action would be that they contact Experian directly. Experian are only able to discuss a person's records with the account holder themselves.
Contact details for Experian
Email: customerservices@uk.experian.com
Phone: 0115 828 6738 (Mon-Fri - 9AM-5PM)
Post: Experian Customer Service Team, Experian Ltd, PO Box 8000, Nottingham, NG80 7WF
This article is based on accessing Thirdfort directly via our portal. If you access Thirdfort via a partner or reseller, functionality may differ.