Why We Verify Your Identity
At Frank & Fred, we are committed to providing a secure and responsible gaming environment for all our players. Verifying your identity is a fundamental part of this commitment. It protects you, us, and the wider financial system from fraud, money laundering, and other illegal activities. By confirming who you are, we ensure that your account is safe from unauthorised access and that funds are paid to the rightful owner. This process also helps us comply with the legal and regulatory obligations set by our licensing authorities, ensuring that Frank & Fred operates with integrity and transparency.
What KYC (Know Your Customer) Means
KYC, or Know Your Customer, is a standard regulatory requirement for financial institutions and online gaming operators like Frank & Fred. It involves collecting and verifying personal information about our customers. The primary goal of KYC is to prevent identity theft, financial fraud, money laundering, and terrorist financing. By implementing robust KYC procedures, we establish a clear understanding of our customers' identities and financial activities, allowing us to identify and report suspicious behaviour. This process is crucial for maintaining the security and trustworthiness of our platform.
When Verification Is Required
Verification is an ongoing process that may be triggered at various stages of your relationship with Frank & Fred. Typically, we initiate verification:
- Upon your initial registration, before you can make your first deposit or withdrawal.
- When your cumulative deposits or withdrawals reach certain thresholds, as mandated by our licensing authority.
- If there are any inconsistencies or changes in your personal information.
- When we detect unusual or suspicious activity on your account.
- Periodically, as part of our ongoing regulatory compliance and risk management procedures.
- Before processing significant withdrawals, regardless of previous verification status.
We reserve the right to request verification documents at any time to ensure compliance with our legal obligations.
Documents You May Be Asked to Provide
To complete our KYC procedures, we may request several types of documents. These documents help us confirm your identity, address, and the ownership of your payment methods. The specific documents required can vary based on your jurisdiction, the payment methods you use, and the level of risk associated with your account. We will always inform you clearly about which documents are needed and how to submit them securely.
Proof of Identity
To verify your identity, we require a clear, colour copy of a valid government-issued identification document. This document must show your full name, date of birth, photograph, and an expiry date that has not passed. Acceptable forms of proof of identity include:
- A valid passport.
- A valid national identity card.
- A valid driving licence (both front and back).
Please ensure that all four corners of the document are visible, and the text is legible. We cannot accept blurred, cropped, or expired documents.
Proof of Address
To confirm your residential address, we require a document issued within the last three months that clearly displays your full name and current residential address. This document must not be older than three months from the date of submission. Acceptable forms of proof of address include:
- A utility bill (e.g., electricity, water, gas, internet, landline phone bill). Mobile phone bills are generally not accepted.
- A bank statement or credit card statement.
- A government-issued letter or tax statement.
The document must be in your name and show the date of issue. We cannot accept documents where the address is a PO Box.
Payment Method Verification
To verify the ownership of the payment methods used for deposits and withdrawals, we may request specific documentation. This step is crucial to prevent financial fraud and ensure that funds are handled securely. The required documents depend on the payment method you use:
- Credit/Debit Cards: We require a copy of the front and back of the card. For security, please obscure the middle eight digits of the card number on the front and the CVV/CVC code on the back. Your name, the first six and last four digits of the card number, and the expiry date must be clearly visible.
- E-Wallets (e.g., Skrill, Neteller, PayPal): We may request a screenshot of your e-wallet account profile page, clearly showing your name, email address, and the account ID.
- Bank Transfers: A copy of a bank statement or an online banking screenshot showing your name, bank account number, and the bank's logo may be required.
Only payment methods registered in your name can be used on Frank & Fred.
Source of Funds and Enhanced Due Diligence
In certain circumstances, particularly when dealing with large transactions or if we identify activity that deviates from typical gambling patterns, Frank & Fred may be required to conduct Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) and request information regarding your Source of Funds (SoF). This is a regulatory requirement to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. We may ask for documents that demonstrate the origin of your wealth or the funds used for gambling. Examples of such documents include:
- Bank statements showing the accumulation of wealth.
- Payslips or employment contracts.
- Documents relating to the sale of property or assets.
- Inheritance documents.
- Business ownership documents.
Any information provided will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and used solely for compliance purposes.
The Verification Process and Timeframes
Once you submit your documents, our dedicated team will review them. We strive to process all verification requests as quickly as possible. Our standard processing time is typically within 24 to 48 hours, although this can vary depending on the volume of requests and the clarity of the documents provided. If further information or clearer copies are needed, we will contact you via email or through your Frank & Fred account. You can monitor the status of your verification in your account profile. We appreciate your patience during this essential process.
Keeping Your Documents Safe
Frank & Fred takes the security and privacy of your personal information very seriously. All documents submitted for verification are handled in strict compliance with data protection regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Your documents are stored securely on encrypted servers with restricted access. We implement robust technical and organisational measures to protect your data from unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Your information will only be used for the purpose of identity verification and regulatory compliance and will not be shared with third parties except as required by law or our licensing obligations.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
Frank & Fred operates under strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. Our KYC and verification procedures are integral to our AML framework. We are legally obligated to monitor transactions and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities. This includes identifying and reporting attempts to use our platform for money laundering, terrorist financing, or other illicit activities. By complying with AML laws, we contribute to the integrity of the financial system and protect our players from criminal exploitation.
Age Verification and Protecting Minors
A core principle of responsible gaming at Frank & Fred is preventing underage gambling. We strictly prohibit individuals under the legal gambling age from creating an account or participating in any gaming activities. Our age verification procedures are designed to confirm that all our players are at least 18 years old, or the legal age of majority in their jurisdiction, whichever is higher. Any attempt by a minor to register or gamble will result in the immediate closure of the account and forfeiture of any winnings. We may use third-party age verification services to assist us in this crucial task.
If Verification Is Delayed or Unsuccessful
While we aim for a smooth verification process, delays can sometimes occur. Common reasons for delays include unclear document images, expired documents, or discrepancies between the information provided during registration and the submitted documents. If your verification is delayed, we will contact you to explain the reason and request any necessary clarifications or additional documents. If verification is ultimately unsuccessful, despite multiple attempts and submissions, we may be unable to open or maintain your account, and any funds may be returned to their source, subject to our legal obligations. We will always communicate the outcome clearly.
Getting Help and Support
If you have any questions about the KYC process, the documents required, or need assistance with submitting your verification materials, our customer support team is here to help. You can reach us via live chat or email. Our team is trained to guide you through each step and ensure your verification experience at Frank & Fred is as straightforward as possible. Do not hesitate to contact us if you require any clarification or encounter any issues.