FATCA letter from bank

[blueST]

We've had a letter from the bank saying that my Wife needs to provide various bits of information to prove where she has tax residency. Given she's been with the same bank all her life and never lived or worked anywhere other than the UK we are a bit perplexed by this. It is all very seriously worded with the promise of being reported to the "Authorities" if we don't provide the necessary info.

She'll obviously phone the bank on Monday, but in the meantime any idea why this has been sent or what might have triggered it? It looks legit, but is it likely yo be a scam?

[AB]

My wife got a text today from Barclays asking her to reply 'yes' or 'no' to confirm she has UK tax residency.

[trickywoo]

It’s not Santander is it?

[blueST]

No, lloyds

[Mr_Megalomaniac]

blueST said:

We've had a letter from the bank saying that my Wife needs to provide various bits of information to prove where she has tax residency. Given she's been with the same bank all her life and never lived or worked anywhere other than the UK we are a bit perplexed by this. It is all very seriously worded with the promise of being reported to the "Authorities" if we don't provide the necessary info.

She'll obviously phone the bank on Monday, but in the meantime any idea why this has been sent or what might have triggered it? It looks legit, but is it likely yo be a scam?

If she isn't a US citizen then FATCA cannot apply - so it's likely a scam. I'm sure ringing the bank will clarify.

[mikeiow]

Mr_Megalomaniac said:

If she isn't a US citizen then FATCA cannot apply - so it's likely a scam. I'm sure ringing the bank will clarify.

& contact the bank from their website, not the details given in the letter

[Alickadoo]

If she wasn't born, lived or worked in the USA then FATCA has nothing to do with her, or anybody else with no connection to the USA.

[Jonathan27]

I get these every so often. Possibly because I have worked in a few counties over the years. It's pretty easy to deal with, there will be a list of acceptable documentation, provide that and confirm the declaration, and then it's all done. Usually takes about 5 min.