Estates wants to physically see Proof of ID

Surrey_EA

cloo wrote: »

I think some EAs are just getting more cautious as there have been cases of fraud conducted by people using false ID. They may be especially cautious if the house has no mortgage on it, the owner doesn't live there or they may just be covering themselves in any case.

AML regulations have definitely tightened up recently.

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/money-laundering-regulations-2017/money-laundering-regulations-2017#estate-agent-businesses

LandyAndy

achilles01 wrote: »

They also offered me the option to send them a copy of my passport that is certified by a Solicitor but who wants to pay a Solicitor to do that? And also this certified copy could also be forged if someone really wanted to do that so their policy makes no sense.

When I needed a certified copy of my late father's will I just walked into my local solicitor's office and they produced a certified copy for me without charging. Only took two minutes.

TBagpuss

achilles01 wrote: »

They also offered me the option to send them a copy of my passport that is certified by a Solicitor but who wants to pay a Solicitor to do that? And also this certified copy could also be forged if someone really wanted to do that so their policy makes no sense.

Yes, practically anything can be forged. But the agents responsibility is to take reasonable steps to verify your identity.
Certified copies are quick an easy to do - if you have a solicitor who is already acting for you then they may be prepared to do it for free, if not, thy may charge £2-£5. Your bank may also be able to do a certified copy for you.

Since organisations which don't take proper steps to verify the identity of their clients can find themselves liable if there is fraud, or even face criminal penalties if the is money laundering involve,d they are not going to be willing to change their policies for you.

hjghg5

I've just instructed an EA who was fine with an uncertified copy (actually a photo). I offered to send a certified copy but she said she didn't need it (it's no hassle for me to get it done properly as I'm a solicitor and know plenty of people who are happy to apply their signature to a document if I turn up at their desk with the original, a copy, and the stamp).

I am one of two executors of a will and I imagine she did see the original of my sister's documents (she lives locally) which probably helps.

ThePants999

FWIW, the Post Office have a cheap (but not free) service for certifying copies.

Smodlet

ThePants999 wrote: »

FWIW, the Post Office have a cheap (but not free) service for certifying copies.

I did not know that, thanks Pants.

Smodlet

achilles01 wrote: »

And what if the Estate Agent's office is 500 miles from where the seller is?

Assuming you are in England or Wales, this is between extremely unlikely and physically impossible. Lands End to John O'Groats by the shortest road route is 837 miles and this land of ours is lousy with EAs.