Mortgage broker asking for passport - is this ok?

quixonte

Hi All,

My Mortgage Broker is asking that I send my passport for identity certification is this normal practice ? He said he couldn't accept a photocopy - the broker is based in England and I am in Scotland.

Thanks
Q.

minimike2

Yes, original documentation is required for identification purposes.

If its a distance sale, you need to provide photographic, plus two pieces of address verificaiton, as opposed to the one for face-to-face sales.

Dont forget to send it special delivery and make sure they send it back to you special delivery too.

feisty1

Why are you using a non face to face broker in England when you could have seen someone face to face in Scotland and not had to part with yr passport!

I am a Mortgage Adviser

You should note that this site doesn't check my status as a Mortgage Adviser, so you need to take my word for it. This signature is here as I follow MSE's Mortgage Adviser Code of Conduct. Any posts on here are for information and discussion purposes only and shouldn't be seen as financial advice.

quixonte

thanks for the replies.

I was put onto this broker(mortgage force) by my current lender (mortgage express), my current mortgage is with skipton and they are actively trying to move me off a re-mortgage with them by offering a really poor rate.

I had a couple of initial chats with the broker and struck a good rapport with him, I wouldn't go back to the original broker who arranged my initial mortgage as he was very secretive.

minimike2

?? How can your current lender be mortgage express AND Skipton?

feisty1

Mortgage Express was part of Bradford & Bingley? What has this to do with Skipton? Who actually recommended Mortgage Force? As for yr initial adviser being secretive? was u happy with the mortgage u've had for the past couple of yrs! All very confusing......

I am a Mortgage Adviser

You should note that this site doesn't check my status as a Mortgage Adviser, so you need to take my word for it. This signature is here as I follow MSE's Mortgage Adviser Code of Conduct. Any posts on here are for information and discussion purposes only and shouldn't be seen as financial advice.

koexelek

feisty1 wrote: »

Why are you using a non face to face broker in England when you could have seen someone face to face in Scotland and not had to part with yr passport!

I am a Mortgage Adviser

You should note that this site doesn't check my status as a Mortgage Adviser, so you need to take my word for it. This signature is here as I follow MSE's Mortgage Adviser Code of Conduct. Any posts on here are for information and discussion purposes only and shouldn't be seen as financial advice.

If someone is local, it does not neccessarily mean they are any good.

A successful broker will get leads from all over the UK, not just their local town

_Andy_

feisty1 wrote: »

Why are you using a non face to face broker in England when you could have seen someone face to face in Scotland and not had to part with yr passport!

I am a Mortgage Adviser

You should note that this site doesn't check my status as a Mortgage Adviser, so you need to take my word for it. This signature is here as I follow MSE's Mortgage Adviser Code of Conduct. Any posts on here are for information and discussion purposes only and shouldn't be seen as financial advice.

Maybe they prefer to sort things out over the phone. Nothing shocking about that.

herbiesjp

feisty1 wrote: »

Why are you using a non face to face broker in England when you could have seen someone face to face in Scotland and not had to part with yr passport!

My referrals come from all over the UK - and once the reason for the paperwork is explained there is no issue with passport or other documentation being sent

As stated above - being able to hand over your passport to someone does not mean being the best person for the job

whitewing

If I need to send documentation somewhere and I'm uncomfortable to do so, I normally get my accountants to make certified copies of them. Usually send the certified copy; if I have to send the original, then I still have the certified copy that is acceptable in most circumstances.

Tiddler_2

feisty1 wrote: »

Mortgage Express was part of Bradford & Bingley? What has this to do with Skipton? Who actually recommended Mortgage Force? As for yr initial adviser being secretive? was u happy with the mortgage u've had for the past couple of yrs! All very confusing......

I am a Mortgage Adviser

You should note that this site doesn't check my status as a Mortgage Adviser, so you need to take my word for it. This signature is here as I follow MSE's Mortgage Adviser Code of Conduct. Any posts on here are for information and discussion purposes only and shouldn't be seen as financial advice.

It was probably Mortgage Express/Bradford & Bingley who recommended Mortgage Force. Mortgage Force have introducer agreements with lots of banks & building societies. The introducing companies will receive a proportion of the income from the cases.

As everyone else has said - there is nothing wrong with doing business via the telephone & post, after all most of L&C,Charcol Direct and a lot of banks/building societies deal in this way as do solicitors. It means that the costs are reduced and so in some cases brokers can provided a fee free service.