what documents and evidence is generally needed to open a bank account?

[joko]

would it be possible for someone to open an account in your name without you knowing if they had access to your documents?

could it be done by a man opening a womans account

(i am asking as i suspect brother has done this)

thanks

[southerngirl]

Yes. This is why you should shred unwanted bills, statements etc and not leave identification lying around for anyone tocopy.

[CheekyChops]

A man cannot open an account in a womans name. He could get someone to pose as you through.

[chitchat]

If you suspect this, check with the provider ie bank or utility company to check what records they were given as documentary evidence when the account was opened. If they are not prepared to help and you really think someone is using your identity go to the police. A woman should not be able to open a man's account but no doubt the fraudster's will have found a way.

[WendyS]

The bank would need to see the relevant proof of identity and address documents such as passport or driving licence with photograph (for identift purposes) and at least one utility bill for proof of address. If a man turned up at the bank trying to open an account in a woman's name any properly trained bank official would immediately suspect something funny was happening, unless he were perhaps the son of an elderly mother and had Power of Attorney documents giving him the legal authority. If you suspect this has happened, I suggest you check with Experian or the other credit checking agency (can't remember its name) to see whether anything stange is happening. and also contact the police. For this reason it makes sense to ensure that all your personal documents such as passport, driving licence and all your utility bills and bank statements are stored in a permanently locked filing cabinet in your home, especially if other people, even family visitors have access to it when you are not there. Even if neighbours come in to feed you cat or water your pot plants when you are on holiday.

[themas]

Some bank accounts can be opened over the internet so it is perfectly possible - if the person opening the account has the necessary documents to send off.