Can the ECO Check my Bank Balance?

[Terpe]

It's a complex situation with a number of protocols that need compliance
Both UKBA and HMRC have authority to undertake "status verification". But they have no mandate to demand personal information nor to demand any specific 'unknown data'.
Basically it covers establishing whether or not a document (bank statement) presented to them is accurate or has been altered.

So for example, they can ask the bank to confirm if an amount of £xxxx was paid into a specific account number on a specific date. The bank is allowed to confirm or deny.
It's just a verification.
The bank will not divulge information, only confirm or deny very specific information that has been presented to the authorities as accurate and true.

[yellowcloud]

OK thanks, so if I go out and buy that new TV, hence my bank balance is reduced, the ECO phones up my bank and asks what my current balance is, sees that its less than it was on the application, then denies the application

[Terpe]

OK thanks, so if I go out and buy that new TV, hence my bank balance is reduced, the ECO phones up my bank and asks what my current balance is, sees that its less than it was on the application, then denies the application

NO! yellowcloud
They can only get verification on the information you supplied.
Current balance (ie July 18 2012) is not allowed to be asked or given.
If you supplied a bank statement to UKBA that showed a balance £100 on April 20th 2012 they can ask for confirmation of that.

They cannot ask about you 'current balance' . They can only request verification that the balance on the date of xxxxx was ££xxxxx
They cannot ask for nor be informed about 'unknown personal information'
OK

[yellowcloud]

I understand that UK Border Agency (or a trusted third party) may make reasonable checks to confirm the accuracy and authenticity of evidence I have
provided and documents I have submitted with this application. I further understand that UK Border Agency (or a trusted third party) may also make
reasonable checks on any sponsors to my application to verify statements contained in the application and establish that I will comply or have complied
with the terms of any visa granted.

Yes but it was my Fiance who signed that, not me? and they are my bank statements. How can the ECO call and get informaiton about my current account when I have not signed anything to say that they can make checks to confirm the accuracy and authenticity of evidence?

Also I just called my bank and they said they will not give any information out to anyone, even a government body.

NO! yellowcloud
They can only get verification on the information you supplied.
Current balance (ie July 18 2012) is not allowed to be asked or given.
If you supplied a bank statement to UKBA that showed a balance £100 on April 20th 2012 they can ask for confirmation of that.

They cannot ask about you 'current balance' . They can only request verification that the balance on the date of xxxxx was ££xxxxx
They cannot ask for nor be informed about 'unknown personal information'
OK

Terpe, ahhh thanks for that. There was me being stressed out about what if my bank balance changes between the application date and the day the ECO reviews the application and the ECO phones up my bank and get my current balance etc. How did you find that out Terpe? I really appreciate it.

Wel there was two different answers there on this thread, but good to sort it all out.

[lastlid]

Also I just called my bank and they said they will not give any information out to anyone, even a government body.

I had a similar conversation with my bank a couple of years ago....

[lastlid]

Wel there was two different answers there on this thread, but good to sort it all out.

Thats what a forum is all about.....

[Terpe]

....Terpe, ahhh thanks for that. There was me being stressed out about what if my bank balance changes between the application date and the day the ECO reviews the application and the ECO phones up my bank and get my current balance etc. How did you find that out Terpe? I really appreciate it.

I worked for the Civil Service from 2003 until 2010
Both HMRC and UKBA.
I can only guess current protocols as I'm clearly out of date and most of my peers have left the dept.
But I do know how to research and how to understand the government gobblydegook.
Besides which the legal aspects very rarely change.

The questions you raise are all good and will certainly be helpful to our fellow forumers

But If I'm honest for you, better you would have asked them before making your application

But, in summary yellowcloud. The bank will not divulge information.
They will only confirm or deny very specific 'status verification' indicated by authorised bodies.

[lastlid]

I worked for the Civil Service from 2003 until 2010 Both HMRC and UKBA.

Thats a bit of a stark change - from Engineer to HMRC and UKBA.....

[Terpe]

Thats a bit of a stark change - from Engineer to HMRC and UKBA.....

Yes it is.
There is a very personal story that caused me to quit my career.
Upon returning to UK I thought I would secure employment very easily. How wrong I was!!
Additionally I wanted a job that I felt was ethical.
I would not accept anything that involved telling "untruths".
Despite what many here might think HMRC and UKBA are (were) very ethical employers. Besides which they do not demand specialist qualifications as they have their own internal examinations.
The pay is crap but the potential rewards (and pensions) are very good (imo)
I have no regrets