Hi my bank in the UK wrote to me asking me to provide ID to verify that I am me. It seems that this is a bank program for many customers (even if you have banked with them for over 20 years as I have).

There were options for what to submit and how to submit. One of the options was a reply paid envelope which required copies of the document to be certified as true and accurate etc. by a relevant person such as a lawyer/different bank (to the UK one) official etc.

The other option was a video call. I called to find out more. The assistant told me that:

You book an appointment
You download the Cisco Webex ap to your phone/tablet
They call you at the appointment time (should be on a hands free phone)
When everyone is on the line, you point the docs at the webcam and they take screen shots.
Apparently it takes about 20 - 30 mins which seems quite time consuming to me (for all concerned).

It seems to be highly popular: the first appointment they could give me was after Christmas.

As this point I told the assistant that I thought I would use the snail mail option and asked whether the prepaid envelope was tracked. He said No and asked me how much it would cost. I said about GPB10 ($19.50) and he immediately said he would be prepared to put that money into my account.

I went to my bank here and got the job done and posted in about 20 minutes. The same amount of time, I suppose, that the video call would take, but does the video call option really sound less problematic, apart from not having to get the docs certified? It certainly sounds more time consuming for the banking staff.

Just curious: is this new or have others had a similar type of option offered?

S

Dunno about simple but it sounds like a scam on several fronts.

You had me worried as I had not thought of that.

I double checked and the number I called to speak to them was the usual number I call to access my account so I think it was genuine. (sigh of relief).

Let's hope all is okay.

S

Never heard of this. Sounds very shady. What happens if you don't comply?
Is this connected with new employment or something?

I just rang the UK bank again, using my normal number an normal login details.

They confirmed to me that this is a big exercise they are carrying out.

In the letter, they provide a 2 pager of FAQs. One of the Qs is:

What happens if I don't provide the information?
If we don't receive up-to-date information we may not be able to continue offering you the same facilities. Without this, it's more difficult to keep you and your money protected from fraud and financial crime. Once we've received your updated information, we shouldn't need to trouble you again.

I think what this essentially means is that if you don't comply, they may/will close your account.

The local bank official here who certified my docs says this sort of exercise if relatively common (although they not heard of this odd video option).
The return envelope had my usual bank address on it.

S

We had the same letter. We've banked with them for over 20 years!
I rang and had an interesting conversation with them where I mentioned that we had banked with them for a LONG time.

Apparently there a some customers that need verifying......we're one too.

Better to be safe than sorry with identity

Hi thanks for letting me know that I'm not the only one who's banked somewhere since 1995 getting such letters!

Are you taking the video option for document verification?

It sounded like a complete hassle to me (rather than easier).


S

Wow, I was about to log in to say call the bank independently as it sounded shady

It's really wow

Which bank is it? I have a few left but no-one's contacted me yet!

I did call them tonight as I became anxious after reading your replies!

So I feel slightly reassured now.

A few years ago, I had "Barclaycard" call me up with what sounded like a call centre in the background asking me all sorts of Qs and saying things like when you took out your barclaycard you agreed to give this information etc.

I said I'm sorry but can I please call you back because I don't feel comfortable giving this information out whereupon the "agent" lost his temper with me and I got really upset. I was shocked and ended the call, realising only a bit later, when I actually called the real Barclaycard, that it was a scam. Long story.

But I think the letter I just got is genuine.

S

Is the bank a secret

Not really: it's the one that is part of HSBC.

S

Have you let them know you now live in Canada but you're keeping the UK bank?

Or perhaps it's (lack of) activity related?

Just wondering that with a customer permanently so far away they might be more keen on making sure you're who you say.

Did they credit your account with that payment to cover mailing costs?

Just found this

HSBC has closed my UK and expat bank accounts but refuses to say why | Money | The Guardian

Yes, I changed the address when we sold up. I thought about using a relative's but now I'm very glad I didn't because had I done so, I wouldn't have been able to provide any ID with the address linked to it.

And yes: they did actually credit £10 as they said they would. The tracked postage charge was actually $19.50 which I paid for on my UK credit card so it will be about a tenner.

S


PS: thank you for the link. I just read it and am worrying slightly but not too much!
What do they do if they make you close the account? I hope they let you keep your money!!
S

I started this thread because of the odd video thing
Next I started worrying it was a scam
Now I'm worrying (slightly) that they will close the account.

S