Verifying identities helps protect us all from fraud

• We carry out identification requirements to protect everyone from fraud

• Where possible, we will first confirm your identity via electronic searches and the bank details or personal cheque that you have provided to us in order to make your initial deposit

All banks, building societies and financial institutions are required by law to verify the identity of any individual or organisation that opens an account with them. This is necessary to protect the organisation, its members and the public from fraud and also to help combat money laundering.

You should note that there may be occasions when documentation over and above that stated here will need to be produced and you will be told if this applies to you.

What we need to verify an individual's identity

Existing member - quote your account number on your application:

If you already have an account with us and quote your account number on your application, we may not need any further evidence of your identity and address.

New to Ecology – we'll verify your identity with electronic searches, plus your bank account details or your first cheque:

We will make an electronic search for the purpose of verifying your identity and will also ask you to open your account by bank transfer from a current account in your name, with your own personal cheque drawn on your current account, or with a cheque from another building society or bank where you hold an account. In the latter case, we will also need to be provided with a recent account statement from the relevant building society or bank. If this is necessary, it will also count as the Table A item.

Please note that if you are opening a Regular Savings account, an initial bank transfer or cheque is not required as you will be asked to submit a Direct Debit mandate with your application.

What we'll need if we request more information:

If we need more information, we'll ask you to provide us with two additional forms of identification, one from each of the tables (see below).

Joint account? You must each have your identity verified. However, both of you may rely on the same items from Table A and Table B if they are addressed to and clearly identify each of you.

Please note:

• Online statements or downloaded documents cannot be accepted under any circumstances
• Any documents produced must be current and issued within the last 12 months
• The identification provided must be from different organisations
• All original documents will be returned to you when the account has been opened
• Copy documents are not acceptable, except in the case of passports and driving licences, which must be certified (see below)

Copies of passports and driving licences must be certified by one of the following:

• Accountant
• Bank or building society official
• Doctor
• Minister of religion
• Regulated financial adviser or mortgage broker
• Solicitor
• Teacher

Certification: The document that is being certified must state 'original seen' as well as being dated and signed. The document should also include the name of the certifier, their profession and full contact details. If the identification is photographic, the certifier must state that 'the photograph is a good likeness of the applicant'. The certifier must not be related to the applicant in any way, or named as a joint account holder.