Finance glossary
CIFAS
Also known as: Cifas marker, Fraud marker
In simple terms
CIFAS is a UK fraud-prevention service. A “CIFAS marker” on your file flags possible fraud — sometimes to protect you as a victim, sometimes because fraud is suspected against you.
On this page
What does CIFAS mean?
CIFAS is a not-for-profit fraud-prevention organisation whose members (banks, lenders and others) share data about known or suspected fraud. A “CIFAS marker” is a flag recorded against a name or address.
Some markers protect victims of identity theft (Protective Registration); others record suspected fraud committed by an individual.
How a CIFAS marker works
When you apply for a product, a member firm may check the CIFAS database. A protective marker prompts extra identity checks to keep fraudsters from using your details, while an adverse marker warns firms of suspected fraud.
Adverse markers generally stay for up to six years, and you have the right to see what is held about you and to challenge it.
How could this affect me?
A protective marker can slow applications slightly because of extra checks, but it helps stop criminals opening accounts in your name. An adverse fraud marker can make it very hard to open accounts or borrow.
If you believe a marker is wrong or unfair, you can make a data request to CIFAS, ask for it to be corrected and complain if it is not resolved.
Things to watch out for
- An adverse fraud marker can block accounts and borrowing for up to six years.
- A protective marker helps you but may add identity checks to applications.
- Markers can be added without a criminal conviction — you can challenge them.
Know your rights
- You can make a subject access request to CIFAS to see what is recorded and ask for inaccurate data to be corrected (UK GDPR / Data Protection Act 2018).
- You can complain to the firm that added a marker and escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service, or to the ICO about the data itself.
General information, not personal advice
Consumer Credit is an independent information service. We do not provide regulated financial advice or sell financial products. For advice on your own situation, speak to an appropriately authorised firm or a free service such as MoneyHelper. About Consumer Credit.
Sources
We checked this page against these official and authoritative sources.
- Information Commissioner’s Office, Credit and fraud-prevention data — your data matters (opens in a new tab). Accessed 22 Aug 2026.