HBOS / Halifax asking passport copy to provide SAR!

[deepindebt102]

Hi Guys,

Is it legal to request passport photocopy to provide SAR?
They took the 10 postal order but to proceed further I shall be sending a passport photocopy.

Obviously the passport has my signature as well and other information I would not want to disclose.

Thanks
Deep

[BBNB]

Re: HBOS / Halifax asking passport copy to provide SAR!

No. I have heard of SAR's being provided via a branch local to you on production of proof of ID however; you could write and advise that they have cashed your £10 for a valid SAR request and have communicated with you previously with sensitive personal data without requiring proof of ID (I am assuming they have done this?) so you consider the clock ticking but will arrange to collect the information from a local branch if necessary...

[deepindebt102]

Re: HBOS / Halifax asking passport copy to provide SAR!

Hi BBNB,

thanks for your reply. I am actually abroad, so will not be able to collect SAR from branch, would this make any difference? (Otherwise, yes, they sent me personal data without requiring proof of ID before) Thanks, Deep

[dogtired]

Re: HBOS / Halifax asking passport copy to provide SAR!

Thats a new one! Perhaps it is because you are overseas, hope someone can help you.
This bank seems to like delaying tatics though:tinysmile_hmm_t2:

[teaboy2]

Re: HBOS / Halifax asking passport copy to provide SAR!

Simply respond to them - That their is no legal precendent requiring you to proof your ID to them. They are well aware of who you are as they have been sending you letters detailing the same account in question for (enter period of time). Therefore if they are concerned sending a SAR may put them in breach of the data protection act 1998, well due to the content of the previous letters they would already have breached the data protection act 1998 if you were not party to said account. Not only that but by refusing your SAR whilst taking payment, they would also be in breach of the data protection act and also for theft under the theft act 1976 for cashing your £10 postal order, whilst refusing to honour your SAR request.

[SpringerSpaniel]

Re: HBOS / Halifax asking passport copy to provide SAR!

There is no requirement provided for in the DPA to provide this; you are not obliged to give your passport details and they are still statutarily required to comply with the SAR.

This may be a way to get you to 'acknowledge' the debt if there is any question or argument as to whether you have done so, which re-sets the clock on statutory limitation.

[labman]

Re: HBOS / Halifax asking passport copy to provide SAR!

They are however entitled to satisfy themselves as to your identity. If they have been corresponding with you regularly at your current address, that should suffice.

[deepindebt102]

Re: HBOS / Halifax asking passport copy to provide SAR!

Thank you very much guys, I will reply back to them what you have suggested.

Regards,
Deep