Ebay fraud and false bank details.

Ummm...what exactly is involved in getting a passport these days? Could someone get one using some correct details and some details relating to someone else?

Martin <

In message , Jigsaw writes

If somebody wants to get fake ID its relatively simple. That's why the rules are so ridiculous. He probably assumed an existing identity of somebody else for which genuine records existed.

Quite, but it would be a large amount for some people. Money Laundering rules require the bank to make a report if the CIRCUMSTANCES are suspicious. I dont think the sum was what made them suspicious, but the nature of the transactions.

Yes, I would put this down to journalists licence.

Absolutely, if you're prepared to do a little travel.

There was a recent article in one of the dailies (I think it was the Sun) detailing how their reporter got two authentic-looking UK passports in the capital of one of the newly-admitted EC states, one in the name of Charles Clarke, the other David Blunkett. Cost about GBP 500 apiece, I seem to remember.

Jon

The article reads as if they contacted the local police, who then viewed CCTV footage of him paying in the bankers' drafts.

Is that more than UK passports cost?

Martin <

Well, they're expensive to apply for in the UK, but the aftermarket versions of UK passports available in the former Eastern Bloc states are still a tad more expensive. The difference being, you get to choose the name and photo, and the proof criteria are a little more relaxed.

Don't bother using it through any country that uses Machine Readable Passport equipment, though. You'll glow on their systems like Homer Simpson's fish supper.

Jon

Which IME make then CFU in Europe, so why would people buy them?

tim

Under the strange but true heading, I was in the bank last week, waiting to pay in a cheque. Woman with loud voice in side office makes a call to a new customer who came in a few days earlier and opens account with a cash deposit. Conversation basically runs like this (it's shortened to avoid sending you to sleep):-

bank: our head office has noticed that your passport and bt bill have different surname spellings. We therefore need you to get BT to write us a letter to confirm your correct name, as we assume that your passport is correct. (sharp intake of breath follows) bank: oh, so your BT bill is rright and your passport is wrong? (pause and listens). Well we have the account set up under the passport name, so we need to close it and give you your money back. (explanation at other end) bank: ok, so you have a provisional licence in the same name as your passport? Ok if you bring that in by friday, we'll keep the account open.

After this, the woman seeks advice from a colleague as to his view, but only because she didn't spot the error, nothing to do with the different name they are now opening an account for. Am still considering whether to drop them in it over this.

John

In message , Jigsaw writes

Thats what I mean. The journalist has written a simplistic version.

In message , John Bishop writes

How would you "drop them in it"?

Not as good as when the BBC got a (genuine) UK Driving license in the name of David Blunkett, with Blunkett's photo on it.

Why would you "drop them in it"? Is this any of your business whatsoever?

Don't forget, your average ebay fraudster does not have the vast resources of the BBC!

I don't understand you. The local police did watch the CCTV footage, presumably after being contacted by the bank. This is what the journalist wrote, so how is he being simplistic?

alt.2600.fake-id

There is, in England anyway, no "right" or "wrong" name. Your legal name is what you use, absent fraud. That's what deed polls are for -- to certify that use -- but they aren't legally necessary, only practically so.

In other countries -- Switzerland comes to mind -- it is virtually impossible to change your name. A dual national can be legally one person (name) in one country and another in his/her other country of nationality.

As proof of ID, to get a bank account, etc. The cards' fence in the same article suggested to the buyer that he get a fake Greek passport for getting past Immigration, as they're apparently a lot easier to forge to the point where Immigration will accept them, but then to use the fake UK passport for ID purposes once in the UK.

Jon

I went to school with the guy and lets put it this way he was no genius. Hes only around 21. People who still knew him though said he made far more then

As the whole point of proving your identity is to avoid fraud and money laundering, this bank official has just knowingly allowed someone to open an account in an incorrect name. Is that right? What would you do ? I consider it everyones business to prevent fraud