For David Goodwin, a respected teacher from St Helens, Merseyside, a simple mistake led to a years-long nightmare that turned his life into what he describes as "absolute hell." His identity was stolen, his credit rating destroyed, and his family home besieged by aggressive bailiffs—all while he fought a seemingly impossible battle to prove his innocence.
The Day Everything Changed
It began in 2019 when Mr Goodwin's wallet was stolen. He took all the recommended steps: he cancelled his bank cards and reported the theft to the police. He believed the matter was closed. He was tragically mistaken.
Unbeknownst to him, the thief had used his driving licence to embark on a devastating crime spree in his name. The fraudster took out multiple loans, ran up enormous debts with utility companies, and even secured car finance—all totalling a staggering £30,000.
A Living Hell of Bailiffs and Threats
"It has been absolute hell," Mr Goodwin told The Guardian. The first he knew of the crime was when the bailiffs arrived at his door. "They were banging on the door, shouting, and being very aggressive towards my wife. It was terrifying."
His life became a constant cycle of dread. He feared answering his own doorbell and dreaded the daily post, which would inevitably bring another threatening letter or final demand for debts he did not owe.
The Cifas Marker: A Life Sentence of Financial Exclusion
Despite providing overwhelming evidence of the fraud to the police and creditors, the system failed him spectacularly. His name was placed on the Cifas fraud database with a 'victim of impersonation' marker, intended to protect him. Instead, it became a form of financial purgatory.
The marker made it nearly impossible for him to access any form of credit. Simple tasks like switching mobile phone providers or applying for a car loan were instantly blocked. He was treated as a potential criminal by automated systems, his life put on hold by a six-year marker on his file.
A Relentless Fight for Justice
Mr Goodwin's story exposes a critical flaw in how identity theft victims are treated in the UK. He spent countless hours on the phone, wrote dozens of letters, and filled out innumerable fraud forms, yet the demands kept coming.
Even after the criminal was caught and convicted for a separate offence, the debts in Mr Goodwin's name persisted. The burden of proof rested entirely on him, the victim, to clear his name against a tidal wave of bureaucratic indifference.
A Warning to Others
His case serves as a stark warning about the devastating real-world impact of identity theft. It's not just about financial loss; it's a profound invasion that can destroy mental well-being, family life, and personal reputation.
Experts urge anyone who has had documents stolen to go beyond cancelling cards and to proactively place protective registration with Cifas themselves. For David Goodwin, that knowledge came too late, but his fight continues to ensure others do not suffer the same fate.
