First Direct want proof of identity years after account opened: anyone else affected?

colsten

jiggy2 wrote: »

Nope - just to call them (but that team doesn't work weekends).

Leave a message with those at FD that are reachable 24 x 7 to tell their "not 24 x 7" colleagues to write to you with an explanation and precise details of what it is they want from you. Also tell them what times are convenient for you.

joeno

Has anyone used the Video Call service? if so, how did it go & do you need any specific software on your PC? I'm waiting on a call back from FD's security department.

jiggy2

colsten wrote: »

Leave a message with those at FD that are reachable 24 x 7 to tell their "not 24 x 7" colleagues to write to you with an explanation and precise details of what it is they want from you. Also tell them what times are convenient for you.

Got them to call me earlier this week. No ID needed. Just updated / confirmed details like pay, employer, contact details etc. A lot was out of date despite me remortgaging through FD 2 years ago (when they were given all the details). Took less than 5 minutes.

peter999

colsten wrote: »

. May be - but I think it is a lot more likely that the request is the result of a corporate edict from HSBC. Has your aunt called FD and asked them what this is all about?

Is HSBC bank doing this, are any other banks doing this ?

It is very strange after so many years.


It is absurd, many people won't have driving licences or expensive passports.

Many/most utility/official letters don't have your full first name, which the letter says is needed if these are used.

Then they say they want the copies Certified.


Has someone in the bank lost the plot or gone over the top !

peter999

InsideInsurance wrote: »

There has been a lot of press about anti money laundering and banks being investigated, though mainly in the USA.

Probability is that HSBC has reviewed its practice and checked the "Know Your Customer" checks were properly done and evidence stored but found that there has been "issues" with FD hence wanting to stop the gap either due to AML investigations or in fear of one.

Whilst the bank isnt listed as one of the approvers I am sure they would accept certified copies by their colleagues there

My HSBC account is much older than my 20+ year old First Direct account.

Haven't heard from HSBC, any other bank, building society, credit card, financial organisation, wanting to suddenly out of blue verify Identity & Address.

peter999

Herbalus wrote: »

I would be tempted to return the letter to them with a covering note, explaining that you've recently received an obvious scam attempt to get your aunt's identity documents, because of course First Direct asking for these would be an absolute joke after 20 years of having an account....

That crossed my mind.

In these days of identity theft, phishing emails, told you will never be asked for PINs, to protect your personal details & official documents.


Perfect scam to get copies of people's primary documents, Passport & Driving Licence.

peter999

scrivener wrote: »

Not having easy access to one of the approved verifiers, I called for a video verification thing - waited 10 minutes for an answer (unusually long wait) and then was told I woudl have to wait 50 minutes to talk to the right department...they offered to phone back in two or three days - when I will be out working.
I have had an account since almost the day they started and so has my wife, We have also had a mortgage with them for 15 years at least. And previously credit cards. And travel insurance. We both have our salaries paid in monthly. My wife has not been asked for id.
I don't understand how video verification is going to work - how difficult would it be to provide false docs that could not be detected by this method. Not that I intend to do that!
I also think it weird that they write to you at your home address and then ask you to prove that is your address - presumably if it wasn't you would not have got the letter.
Disappointing as I have always loved the service and have recommended them to dozens of people but this whole thing is hacking me off as it puts all the onus on me to do the work and for what?
If one does not do this and they go ahead and close your account what then happens to your money - and your mortgage debt?
I will deal with it, but right now I do not have the time....

I doubt they will close your accounts for a long time, without making it clear that will be happening or is next & final step.

Probably send lot more aggressive threatening reminders.

Yes, agree FD have provided good service over past 20+ years.

ChiefGrasscutter

Peter999
As I've said elsewhere on this forum before:
I've had various long term investment holdings dating back decades and when I wanted to make a withdrawal I was informed that I only do this if I provided full ID to the current standard as when I opened the account no ID of any form was required.
This has now happened to me on a number of occasions.

So these groups are taking the attitude that existing long term holdings with no transactions on them are OK but as soon as a transaction is attempted then full ID is required.

A bank account where lots of transactions occur then yes I would have expected HSBC having been seriously caught out on this now to require old accounts from decades ago where they subsequently have no sight of any ID acquired since to be looking to update their records.

I recently had a savings account go dormant though non use - to re-activate it again I had to send of full certified ID so that is a certified copy of my passport plus another original document containing my name and address on it - like a bank statement.

So yes its is happening elsewhere - it's just that the rest of us don't make a huge fuss on these forums about it.

So I'd go and get yourself a passport!

Doc_N

ChiefGrasscutter wrote: »

Peter999
As I've said elsewhere on this forum before:
I've had various long term investment holdings dating back decades and when I wanted to make a withdrawal I was informed that I only do this if I provided full ID to the current standard as when I opened the account no ID of any form was required.
This has now happened to me on a number of occasions.

So these groups are taking the attitude that existing long term holdings with no transactions on them are OK but as soon as a transaction is attempted then full ID is required.

A bank account where lots of transactions occur then yes I would have expected HSBC having been seriously caught out on this now to require old accounts from decades ago where they subsequently have no sight of any ID acquired since to be looking to update their records.

I recently had a savings account go dormant though non use - to re-activate it again I had to send of full certified ID so that is a certified copy of my passport plus another original document containing my name and address on it - like a bank statement.

So yes its is happening elsewhere - it's just that the rest of us don't make a huge fuss on these forums about it.

So I'd go and get yourself a passport!

Sadly, you're missing the point entirely. First Direct are doing this on accounts which have been, and are still, in regular daily use.

Huge fuss? Please.........:D

masonic

Doc_N wrote: »

Sadly, you're missing the point entirely. First Direct are doing this on accounts which have been, and are still, in regular daily use.

Yes, they didn't do it when they were supposed to do it several years earlier, hence they are doing it now. Other banks got all this out of the way years ago. FD is one of the last refuges of the non-verified customer.