Cifas opt-out
cifas.org.uk How to remove yourself from Cifas
Cifas publishes no opt-out for its fraud database. Its route is a data subject access request, which is free, gets an answer within one calendar month of a complete form and ID, and is the first step if a marker is blocking an account or credit.
On average, Serus sends about 184 removal requests per person, 89% of them to data brokers, so expect Cifas to be one of many.
Reviewed by Anthon Wansland
Head of Product & Co-Founder
Serus is a privacy company with paid tools to find and remove your personal data. This guide shows the free way to do it yourself.
- Opt-out page
- cifas.org.uk
- Method
- Online form
- What you need
- Email address, Phone number, Photo ID
- Cost
- Free
- Last updated
Cifas doesn't say how long removal takes. Under California law, a business has 45 days to act on a deletion request (15 business days for an opt-out of sale).
How to opt out of Cifas
- 1
Make a data subject access request
Apply online through the Cifas DSAR page. Cifas calls what it holds a marker or case.
- 2
Gather your details
You'll need your full name, date of birth, address history for the last 6 years, and your home phone or mobile number and email addresses.
- 3
Have proof of identity ready
Cifas may ask for at least two proofs of identity: a valid passport, driving licence, biometric residents permit or national identity card, plus a bank statement or utility bill dated within the last three months, a council tax letter or statement, or an HMRC tax notification dated within the last twelve months. You can upload scans or photos.
- 4
Wait for the answer
Cifas must respond within one calendar month of receiving a fully completed form and documents.
- 5
Dispute what you disagree with
If the results show information you want to challenge, the DSAR page links to Cifas's dispute route.
Watch out for
- Cifas will never charge you for a DSAR or a complaint, and it recommends avoiding third parties that claim to guarantee removal of markers for a fee.
- A marker can stay in the Cifas database for up to six years.
- The DSAR shows what Cifas holds. Removing a marker is a separate dispute.
Sources checked: cifas.org.uk
Last verified against the official page:
What Cifas holds about you
- Full name and aliases
- Age and date of birth
- Address history
What Cifas is known to collect, not a check of your listing.
Does it come back?
Cifas doesn't publish a policy on records being added again. It says markers can stay in its database for up to six years, so check your record again if an account or credit application is refused.
Your rights
United Kingdom: UK GDPR. You can ask any company to erase your personal data and to stop using it for direct marketing. It has one month to respond. If it doesn't, you can complain to the ICO. Read the full guide.
General information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked
Does a DSAR to Cifas cost anything?
No. Cifas says it never charges for a DSAR or a complaint.
How long does Cifas take to answer?
One calendar month from receiving a fully completed form and supporting documents.
Can a company get a Cifas marker removed for me?
Cifas recommends avoiding third parties that claim to guarantee removal for a charge.
How long does a Cifas marker last?
Up to six years in the Cifas database, according to its DSAR page.
Related guide How to delete yourself and your information from the internet 
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