Where the number is required.
WHERE LINKING IS COMMONLY REQUIRED
Mobile telephone lines Bank accounts Pension records Tax records Passport applications
WHY IT IS REQUIRED
To establish a single verified identity across services.
WHAT HAPPENS WITHOUT LINKING
Services may be restricted or suspended.
WHAT EXAMPLE LOOKS LIKE
Telephone lines barred from outgoing calls.
WHAT TO DO
Link proactively, rather than after restriction.
HOW LINKING TYPICALLY WORKS
Through the service provider's own channels, using the number.
WHAT COMMONLY GOES WRONG
Details on the service not matching the identity record.
WHAT DETAILS MATTER
Name spelling and order Date of birth Gender
WHAT TO DO ABOUT MISMATCHES
Correct whichever is wrong, with evidence.
WHICH TO CORRECT
Usually the service record, unless the identity record is wrong.
WHY
Correcting the identity record is slower.
WHAT TO CHECK BEFORE STARTING
What your identity record actually says.
HOW
The verification facilities available.
WHAT TO KEEP
Evidence of each linking, including reference numbers.
WHAT TO BE CAUTIOUS OF
Third parties offering to link for a fee through unofficial routes.
WHY
Your identity details are valuable, and misuse is possible.
WHAT TO PREFER
Official channels, even when slower.
