New Verification of Identity System for Tighter Security

October 31, 2019

Fox and Thomas has recently implemented a new Verification of Identity (VOI) system to ensure we take all reasonable steps to correctly verify the identity of our clients.  In a community where we often know each other this might seem strange but unfortunately the incidents of identity theft and fraud continue to increase.  Whilst we have not experienced this personally, statistics show Conveyancers and Real Estate agents are being targeted.

Our new system will reduce the risk of identity fraud and fraudulent land transactions in matters involving our clients.

What’s required?

When you make initial contact with our office, our paralegal will explain the VOI process to you and what original documents you will be required to produce. Preferably a face-to-face meeting will occur between the solicitor or paralegal and you and during this meeting you will complete a VOI form.

Don’t worry, if you are not able to attend our office to have a face-to-face meeting, there are qualified witnesses who can verify your identity on our behalf.  Speak with our staff and they will be able to assist you with this.

Who is involved:

There are two parties involved when completing the VOI.

Firstly, the applicant, which is our client. The applicant is confirming that they have provided the correct original documents and that those documents relate to them specifically.

Secondly, the Identity Agent. The Identity Agent is the person verifying that they correctly identified the client and the documents. This will be a Justice of the Peace, Commission of Declarations or a Solicitor.

How is your VOI completed?

If you are coming into our office for a meeting, we will:

• complete a VOI report which is signed off by you as the applicant and one of our staff members as the Identity Agent; and
• take photocopies of your original documents and certify that they are true and correct copies of the original documents.

If you are not coming into our office we will provide you with instructions to have your VOI report completed elsewhere.

Once we have completed your verification of identity we will keep a certified copy on our file and it will be valid for a period of 2 years.

Click here for a list of categories of original documents that can be used to verify your identity.

Should you have any questions or would like more information, please contact our office on 07 4671 6000.