About Thirdfort

We need to verify identity when a customer wants to move into one our homes. This will help to protect everyone from fraud and ensure that we’re compliant with Anti-Money Laundering regulations (AML).

We use a free app called Thirdfort to carry out our checks. Thirdfort, which is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), is already being used by lots of businesses across the UK, including law firms and estate agents.

Using Thirdfort

How does Thirdfort work?

Thirdfort uses something called open banking technology which is a secure way for third-party providers to gain access to information from banks or other institutions. Data is encrypted and kept safe throughout the process. Passwords are never shared and access can easily be revoked. 

What happens to the data?

Thirdfort will only retain data during the transaction and it’ll be deleted afterwards. Phone numbers will be kept for two years however in case the customer wants to access the app and any data stored on their phone. If they don’t want to keep this information they can delete the app at any time.

What are the benefits of using Thirdfort?

In the past, a customer would probably have had to take identification documents along to a post office and pay for certification. These copies would then have had to be posted or sent via email. Now, customers can do all this through the Thirdfort app so it’s much faster and more convenient. It's a seamless and secure way of checking documentation which should help to speed up the process.

A customer will still need to provide some identification, however, when they start using Thirdfort - please see below.

How is Thirdfort accessed?

It’s quick and easy:

Step 1: Download the app

Thirdfort will send across a text and the customer will have to click on the link

Step 2: Follow the instructions to sign up

They’ll be asked to provide their name, date of birth, phone number and email as well as their home address. 

Step 3: Complete some tasks

The customer will need to complete some simple tasks to verify their identity. These could include:

  • Providing proof of identity, eg, passport, photo driving licence
  • Providing proof of address, eg photo driving licence, council tax/utility bill

Thirdfort will let the customer know when all the tasks have been completed. 

Do you have any questions?

You can contact Thirdfort:

You can also find more information in the Thirdfort User Guide (pdf)


More about Anti-Monday Laundering Regulations

We’re obliged to follow Anti-Money Laundering regulations (AML)  as stipulated by the HMRC. These are in place to protect organisations and their clients against fraud, money-laundering and cybercrime.

We also need to understand where funds are coming from to ensure that they are from a legitimate source. This means that in order to approve applications customers will need to pass anti-money laundering checks.