WARNING : AdultWork leaving traces in your credit report

[daviddes]

Hi,

Something really disturbing I noticed this morning when I logged in into ClearScore - a soft search in my name done by AW payments processor.

AWS-AFFILIATE WORLD SYSTEMS INTE for Id Check To Comply With ML Regs
Searched on 08 month year

I was curious what AWS is (and I couldn't remember using my personal CC for Amazon AWS) and to my horror second Google results link was to adult work.

I've never used my personal debit/credit card, however I've used them to top up my prepaid Entropay card.

A deal breaker for me, never going to use AW credits again.
FML, thank Elon my SO isn't super tech savvy and I'm responsible for finances.

Best,
D.

[mrhappypants]

David,  I am no IT guru but I suspect someone in your ISP might also be able to tell your usage.  I work on the assumption that one day, someone, somewhere will publish details of individual google searches.  On that day all bloody hell is going to break loose.  I just hope I am to little for anyone to be interested...

[jeanphillipe]

David,  I am no IT guru but I suspect someone in your ISP might also be able to tell your usage.  I work on the assumption that one day, someone, somewhere will publish details of individual google searches.  On that day all bloody hell is going to break loose.  I just hope I am to little for anyone to be interested...

its not an assumption without merit:

External Link/Members Only

[Gordon Bennett]

Just buy credits using prepaid cash vouchers you've bought for cash at local corner shop.

[MarcT]

Appreciate the warning post David   

  Just not worth the risk. I have never bought any AW credits and I never will. Soft search for a bloody AW product is ridiculous 

The quest continues

[anonyorks]

Just buy credits using prepaid cash vouchers you've bought for cash at local corner shop.

That is what I do

[HarryZZ]

I've bought credits but on a private debit card my OH doesn't get a look at, but you'd think AW would operate with a bit more discretion, or is it not possible to hide any transactions?

[vw]

Re-posted on UKE to warn there too

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[HailWood]

Interesting. Anti Money Laundering regs are becoming more intrusive as criminals find new ways of moving cash. I can see how AW credits system could be used in this way. The check performed was an ID not credit. So they are definitely checking you are who you say you are.
Edit: VW thanks for posting on UKE or I would have missed this.

[Marmalade]

Are others getting similar results by logging in to ClearScore?

[daviemac]

Are others getting similar results by logging in to ClearScore?

I've just checked and the only search showing was for insurance in July 2017. It shows my credit cards but nothing about AW and I top up with one of them.   

[heathen666]

Are others getting similar results by logging in to ClearScore?

Nothing showing on Noddle & Clearscore

[HailWood]

It is unlikely that they will search every card. All card companies have pattern recognition algorithms. It is likely that something triggered the OP card company to do a check.

[vw]

It is unlikely that they will search every card. All card companies have pattern recognition algorithms. It is likely that something triggered the OP card company to do a check.

Possibly the age verification that they are requiring and bug one for occasionally.

[HailWood]

Possibly the age verification that they are requiring and bug one for occasionally.

Not so sure the OP indicted ML (money laundering) regs not ID / age verification; this is done some by adult sites (eg gambling) to prevent minors accessing.

[dubhcarr]

thanks for the warning OP.....

[vw]

Not so sure the OP indicted ML (money laundering) regs not ID / age verification; this is done some by adult sites (eg gambling) to prevent minors accessing.

If it is about ML regs then would be about taking money out IMO, maybe op is sergei or temporarily listed as a service provider and did ther checks because of that.

From April 2018 all porn sites will need age verification, suspect AW will have to comply.

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[daviemac]

If it is about ML regs then would be about taking money out IMO, maybe op is sergei or temporarily listed as a service provider and did ther checks because of that.

From April 2018 all porn sites will need age verification, suspect AW will have to comply.

External Link/Members Only

I've used a credit card to 'age verify' loads of times over the years and it hasn't shown up anywhere, as far as I can gather they just check you have a credit card in your name as you have to over 18 to get one.

[MichyBoy]

Seems strange how they can do this. I've bought AW credits with a credit card and my equifax credit report is clean.

Didn't realise that simply buying something with a card meant a company could relate that back to your credit report data.

I presume it's because you bought a prepaid card and have given your details over then AW did a check on said card and it linked the card to you that way.

[MichyBoy]

I've never used my personal debit/credit card, however I've used them to top up my prepaid Entropay card.

Possibly this is how they've linked your details together.

[Jubilee]

Thanks for sharing this. Do you know how long it'll stay on your report?

[HailWood]

Thanks for sharing this. Do you know how long it'll stay on your report?

Hard (eg credit searches) stay on file for 12 months.

[HailWood]

Seems strange how they can do this. I've bought AW credits with a credit card and my equifax credit report is clean.

If the check is done with another bureau (eg Experian or Call Credit) then it won’t show on the Equifax report.

[Doombar]

Just buy credits using prepaid cash vouchers you've bought for cash at local corner shop.

Didnt know you could do that - thanks! 

[daviddes]

Exactly what I mean - seems a bit over the top that they had the possibility to link these two accounts.
Now what, AW has access to my real name? Does anybody know how exactly these checks work?

Yes, I had my correct details with Entropay prepaid card as been using it long before started using AW.

[Plan R]

I access the odd private gallery via prepay card
it's topped up from my main account by 10 quid standing order every month...and thought I was being clever, but this has given me pause for thought.
Think I'll use the newsagent idea from now on.

I severely doubt I'll be applying for a joint mortgage with a woman ever again..
but the application process is pretty forensic these days. One's little bunny-wunny might have something to say if  your credit check returns AW purchases.
The air in the brokers office would turn blue! Still, at least you won't be entering a binding financial contract with a woman - so it's all good
 

[arrow0404]

Just buy credits using prepaid cash vouchers you've bought for cash at local corner shop.

+1
- plus cash obviously has no trail

[CoolTiger]

You can buy PaySafe Vouchers from any newsagent/Co-Op store/Post Office, etc. These are similar to getting a top-up for a mobile phone. You are given a slip with a 16-digit code, similar to PAYG mobile top-ups.

Yes, the problem arises if they don't know what they are and some staff in stores are not fully aware of them, so they end up calling other staff/senior management for help in processing your request.
At the store I normally buy from, these vouchers are available in £10 or £25 denominations.

As the above poster says, remain calm and explain to them that whereever the "Paypoint" sign is displayed, they are able to issue PaySafe vouchers.

Timely reminder to buy PaySafe vouchers using cash, for those who wish to buy Adultwork Credits. There are numerous threads on this, explaining how to get these vouchers from any Newsagent / Co-Op / WH Smith shop.

From recolelction, here's the last thread on this:

https://www.ukpunting.com/index.php?topic=163645.0

[puntingpumping1920]

Most financial transactions are traceable. A/W accept bitcoin now, but your transactions can be traced if not used properly
 
Not all prepaid cards keep you anonymous
 
Never use google if you want to stay anonymous 
 
Use TOR
 

[Jubilee]

Hard (eg credit searches) stay on file for 12 months.

Thanks Mike. Good to know.