Candy Crush
Registered User
- Messages
- 23
Hi. I hold two bank accounts with Ulster Bank. My main current account, and a savings account. Early in the summer I received a letter from UB asking me to present myself at my local branch with personal ID and a household utility bill, as they were updating their records. Within 2 days I did so. About 2 months later, I got a similar letter, which I discarded, as I thought it was a clerical error and that a duplicate had been issued. A third such letter arrived early this week, so I phoned the number on the letter (a 0044 number). I told the girl that I had already presented my ID material, and she said, Oh yes, we know. But we need some further details from you - do you have about 20 to 30 minutes to go through these questions with me? As I was at work, I said no, so the girl offered to email me the questions, which she did.
The questions began with 'What is your current occupation' and 'what is your employers name?'. Now, my fortnightly salary from a Government Department gets paid into my bank account every second Thursday without fail, and my statement clearly indicates the name of the Government Department I work for.
The questions continued:- Do I receive bonus payments, if so, how much and how often. On what date did my employment begin, what was my previous occupation, what was my salary there, how long was I in that employment? I answered these questions as accurately as I could. Then there was a section asking if I was self employed and a series of questions which were all not applicable to me.
Then they asked about other income, such as pension or rental income which again was not applicable.
The next question aske if I currently rent or own the property I reside it. (It is mortgaged with.... guess who? Ulster Bank).
Then they asked me if I hold accounts with other financial institutions, the name of these institutions, and the approximate balances in each account.
Finally they selected a number of transactions from both of my accounts (deposits). They stated 'As part of the term (sic) and conditions on your account Ulster Bank have an obligation to understand the nature of your transaction on the account. Please fill out what the below is in relation to:-....... and they listed deposits ranging from €2.02 to €4,140 into both accounts, naming the persons who made the deposit, or the person who signed the cheque.
While I have no problem divulging this information, I am concerned at the manner in which it was requested.... it was almost like subterfuge. It seemed that UB would continue sending me letters asking me to present my ID at the bank until such time as I phoned them. Why did they just not write/email me, requesting the information?
With regard to the question about accounts in other financial institutions...... Are UB entitled to seek such information? Why do they need it?
I am uncomfortable with the questions and the way they were asked.
Do I have cause for concern?
Thanks in advance
The questions began with 'What is your current occupation' and 'what is your employers name?'. Now, my fortnightly salary from a Government Department gets paid into my bank account every second Thursday without fail, and my statement clearly indicates the name of the Government Department I work for.
The questions continued:- Do I receive bonus payments, if so, how much and how often. On what date did my employment begin, what was my previous occupation, what was my salary there, how long was I in that employment? I answered these questions as accurately as I could. Then there was a section asking if I was self employed and a series of questions which were all not applicable to me.
Then they asked about other income, such as pension or rental income which again was not applicable.
The next question aske if I currently rent or own the property I reside it. (It is mortgaged with.... guess who? Ulster Bank).
Then they asked me if I hold accounts with other financial institutions, the name of these institutions, and the approximate balances in each account.
Finally they selected a number of transactions from both of my accounts (deposits). They stated 'As part of the term (sic) and conditions on your account Ulster Bank have an obligation to understand the nature of your transaction on the account. Please fill out what the below is in relation to:-....... and they listed deposits ranging from €2.02 to €4,140 into both accounts, naming the persons who made the deposit, or the person who signed the cheque.
While I have no problem divulging this information, I am concerned at the manner in which it was requested.... it was almost like subterfuge. It seemed that UB would continue sending me letters asking me to present my ID at the bank until such time as I phoned them. Why did they just not write/email me, requesting the information?
With regard to the question about accounts in other financial institutions...... Are UB entitled to seek such information? Why do they need it?
I am uncomfortable with the questions and the way they were asked.
Do I have cause for concern?
Thanks in advance