What happened to the FD ID request thread?

meer53

OP obviously took their bat and ball home.

saintalan

Archi_Bald wrote: »

As I posted in the vanished thread...

Is it usual though to go straight to a letter threatening to close a/c and respond via a solicitor in the first instance?

I can understand all the reasons but sort of sounds like the police were about to knock!

Of course we never got to see the actual wording of the letter.

Archi_Bald

GingerBob wrote: »

Twenty/thirty years ago no one agreed to produce identity documents on demand when they accepted the T&Cs. So if the account is still open on what basis are they now demanding this?

may be they never had got the ID docs in the first place

GingerBob wrote: »

Why certified? What's up with just presenting your (uncertified)passport or something, or is this just another unnecessary hoop to jump through?

alas, passports and other ID docs do get forged. But there is apparently the alternative to present your ID in any HSBC Branch, thus saving certification costs.

GingerBob wrote: »

Re-verify. If, for example, you presented your passport 20 years ago, that's enough. You are still the same person. Asking for it to be re-presented is pointless.

it's not pointless if the bank has, for example, lost any original verification information. Embarrassing for the bank, perhaps, but not pointless.

GingerBob wrote: »

Isn't it ironic that all this garbage is being foisted on the customers of the world's biggest money launderer of all time.

Firstly, FD hasn't been involved in any money laundering scandals.
Secondly, if FD's owner has now edicted that all ID verification has to be top notch throughout the Group, they can't be blamed, can they. It would be worrying if they didn't take action.
Thirdly, nobody is forced to stick with FD. But don't expect that any other UK bank will be any less stringent with their ID verification requirements these days.

Archi_Bald

saintalan wrote: »

Is it usual though to go straight to a letter threatening to close a/c and respond via a solicitor in the first instance?

I can understand all the reasons but sort of sounds like the police were about to knock!

Of course we never got to see the actual wording of the letter.

Absolutely, we have never seen the letter but I would bet that it didn't mention the word "threat".

Letter probably simply said something along the lines

1. please provide us with ....(several options on what and how to provide it, certified by solicitor just being one of them)
2. if we don't receive by xx/xx/xxxx, we regret we will have to close your accounts by xx/xx/xxxx, in accordance with clause xyz of our customer agreement

Perhaps if the OP from the original thread turns up again, or if someone else can lay their hands on the standard FD letter, they could post a photo or a scan?

grumbler

ChiefGrasscutter wrote: »

Now every time for the last 10 years I open an account I need to send off certified ID and address verification - every time

Never happened to me over the last 15 years - and I did open very many accounts, including very recently.

FD are unique in their obsession with (1) certification (2) by a solicitor. They don't trust even PO that processes applications for driving licenses.

GingerBob wrote: »

Twenty/thirty years ago no one agreed to produce identity documents on demand when they accepted the T&Cs. So if the account is still open on what basis are they now demanding this?

OK, read it this way: the T&C changed. Take it (= agree to the new T&C and send the proofs) or leave it (= have your account closed if you don't agree and don't send).

Surely the OP was notified about all changes over 20 years and made his/her choices.

GingerBob_3

Paul_1977 wrote: »

The NWO had it closed. Don't follow the rabbit hole.

What is this?

Paul_1977

A failed attempt at a joke.

New World Order conspiracy. :rotfl:

ChiefGrasscutter

grumbler wrote: »

Never happened to me over the last 15 years - and I did open very many accounts, including very recently.

Well it happens to me - and I reckon know the most probable reason.
I have lived here SO long that my time here exceeds the historical electoral roll data held by the credit reference agencies which only goes back so far - hence this section of my credit report is always wrong.
So I suspect there is a data mismatch occurring and any attempt at electronic ID/address verification on me fails every time.
Being ex-directory so any phone check on the number I give also fails and having no debts probably helps to create an overall result of an 'electronic check fail'.
So I have wearily to send off my certified passport copy ID and some recent original credit card/bank statement whatever bill as address ID. This lot is all accepted without a murmur and on we go....till next time.

As you see I do have somewhat limited sympathies for the poster on the original (now deleted) thread outraged at having to provide hard copy ID.

k3lvc

ChiefGrasscutter wrote: »

As you see I do have somewhat limited sympathies for the poster on the original (now deleted) thread outraged at having to provide hard copy ID.

And I think the 'outrage' at what was a not unreasonable (IMHO) request is what ilicited the responses - perhaps a humorous/semi serious rant would have been more appropriate

skinnylove

I had one of these letters a couple of weeks ago. There's a long list of people who can certify it, including Local Government Officers, which is who I chose. Free and simple.

The letter basically says if you'd like to keep your accounts it's crucial we get the info from you ASAP. If you no longer need the accounts then call us and we will close them for you.