Mortgage broker asking for confidential docs to be emailed

Ginger_Winner

I'm currently applying for a new mortgage. I'm using a company that I found via Quidco called mortgage simplicity.

The mortgage broker has found me a mortgage that I'm happy with and is now ready to progress the application. He has therefore asked me to email all of the relevant document for the application.

I'm uncomfortable about his because of the security of email as a means of sending this. In itself this is not a major issue as there are other options which I can use but this has set me thinking.... Should I be asking for anything from this guy accepting responsibility for the confidentiality of these documents. It feel like there should be some sort of formal agreement in place...?

I have a good relationship with him and the company seems legit, but I just feel a bit nervous sending bank statements, passport, driving licence copies etc without any type of formal agreement in place.

I don't want to fall out with him as I feel that he will provide a good service in getting me a mortgage, but I do want to put some form of legal protection in place.

If anyone can advice what the standard practice is for the process of dealing with a mortgage broker over the phone I would be very grateful.

dunstonh

Most advisers will have secure methods to email. Either by using their back office software to upload the docs directly into that or by using encrypted email. It is an expectation from the FCA that some method of secure email is available for such things. Indeed it states in their data protection guide: " If particularly sensitive, you must encrypt the email".

So, ask the adviser how they can email the docs to you using encrypted email. They should have something. (unipass securemail is probably one of the more popular as its free of charge to advisers and a number of providers also use it).

It feel like there should be some sort of formal agreement in place...?

I think that is over the top and I wouldnt accept such an agreement as it would involve solicitors and where does it stop. Its massive overkill and unnecessary.

ACG

You could just put the files in a password protected zip file?

amnblog

We provide a secure upload system for our clients and give them that option.


Many still email stuff unprompted - no doubt because they find it easier.