Unexpected request to confirm tax residency - Halifax

Li0nhead

Wayne_O_Mac wrote: »

I rest my case.

Very mature discussion.

Have a great Christmas.

badmemory

Wayne_O_Mac wrote: »

I rest my case.

Have you actually seen the paperwork that they send? I know 10 year olds that could produce paperwork that looks less fraudulent. Then they have the nerve to keep sending messages about us needing to protect our security whilst getting bloody minded because we want them to prove theirs.

Snaaap

I got one of these letters from Halifax and have nothing to do with the US. such a pain in the a**

uknick

I received one of these from Lloyds just before Christmas.

I've been UK resident all my life, but do have some USA shares listed on the FTSE 100 & 250 in my iWeb S&S ISA. I assume this is why I received the letter.

A couple of observations I have regarding the documentation received.

It says I only have to send back certified documents if their records show an incorrect country of residence. However, the documents they sent me give no indication as to what they hold in my records.

So, I call the phone number they give me to call, which happens to be the standard Lloyds Bank contact number. The friendly lady I get through to tells me they've had numerous calls on this matter, but she is not able to answer the question as to what records they hold on me. Nor, for that matter, able to give any advice with regard to completing the form. Seems a bit pointless giving that number as the help line.

I think I'll complete the form and take it into my local branch, with no additional documentation, for them to send off and see what happens.

Snaaap

uknick wrote: »

I received one of these from Lloyds just before Christmas.

I've been UK resident all my life, but do have some USA shares listed on the FTSE 100 & 250 in my iWeb S&S ISA. I assume this is why I received the letter.

A couple of observations I have regarding the documentation received.

It says I only have to send back certified documents if their records show an incorrect country of residence. However, the documents they sent me give no indication as to what they hold in my records.

So, I call the phone number they give me to call, which happens to be the standard Lloyds Bank contact number. The friendly lady I get through to tells me they've had numerous calls on this matter, but she is not able to answer the question as to what records they hold on me. Nor, for that matter, able to give any advice with regard to completing the form. Seems a bit pointless giving that number as the help line.

I think I'll complete the form and take it into my local branch, with no additional documentation, for them to send off and see what happens.

I went to a branch today hoping I could clear it up in person, but the staff there were no more helpful than the person I spoke to on the phone. However they did photocopy my driving licence and stamp it, which fulfilled one of the requirements. I put the forms I'd filled in, the photocopy, and a short note clarifying that I had nothing to do with the US (not even stocks like you), in case there was any ambiguity, into the envelope. The staff took the envelope to send off for me. So at least something was achieved by going in.

uknick

Snaaap wrote: »

I went to a branch today hoping I could clear it up in person, but the staff there were no more helpful than the person I spoke to on the phone. However they did photocopy my driving licence and stamp it, which fulfilled one of the requirements. I put the forms I'd filled in, the photocopy, and a short note clarifying that I had nothing to do with the US (not even stocks like you), in case there was any ambiguity, into the envelope. The staff took the envelope to send off for me. So at least something was achieved by going in.

Why did you take in your proof of ID? Did they get your details wrong?

Ladylove

I too received one of these letter from my bank. Form looks like photocopies and is dated
around a month ago!! Weird!!
Wonder if it's a scam or an attempt by whoever ,,to see how many folk will jump...or
to get private information from us under the guise of legal gobbledygook!
Any others have comments about this?

booksurr

Ladylove wrote: »

Any others have comments about this?

have you not read the previous 8 pages of comments???

Ladylove

When we checked this letter for the ..nth time...we noticed it was dated nearly one month
previously...also there was no information in letter..eg..account no. Etc.
What annoys me is that my husband has a traumatic brain injury and cannot process
official stuff etc., and this letter which was addressed to him sent him into a scary mood because of its,,.apparant ,,officialdom! We have never held accounts abroad or had any income from abroad...lived here all our lives...retired and just trying to get on with our lives whilst both dealing with several serious health issues!!
Any comments from anyone out there who are suffering similar

badmemory

It probably isn't a scam. I returned it with a detailed list/complaint of all the things which made it look like a scam. I got bored after 7. If we all do this it will cost them a fortune and then they may manage to send out better written letters. I've known 8 year olds that can compose a better letter than I received.

What worries me is that the scammers may catch on and people will be saying it is alright to return it. The director of savings whose "signature" was on the letter should be ashamed of it going out above his name!

Whilst I signed it I didn't sign it with my usual signature.