Passport Validation Service
There are many examples of where PVS has intercepted serious fraud or prevented illegal immigration and trafficking - and it works for banks, UKBA, the FCO and many more.
Passport Validation Service (PVS) - used where UK passports are presented as proof of identity
IPS' Passport Validation Service (PVS) began in 2006 to support the business community in preventing fraud. PVS is now widely used. Financial services organisations and Government departments have benefited significantly from PVS. The service has prevented many fraudulent transactions since its inception and the saving to business has been millions of pounds. It is now a business-critical tool for any organisation where UK passports are presented as proof of identity.
In 2007, 290,996 UK passports were reported stolen. The cost to business in fraudulent passports being used as proof of identity has risen to more than £1bn. In its commitment to supporting UK business, IPS introduced the Passport Validation Service (PVS). Following the successful pilot, financial services organisations began using PVS on a continuous basis. PVS confirms the validity of UK passports presented as proof of identity.
Passport Validation Service in the public sector
PVS is offered to government organisations that require definite proof of identity. This helps combat people-smuggling and benefit fraud. It also mitigates the risk of inappropriate access to vulnerable individuals.
Passport Validation Service in the private sector
The PVS customer base in the private sector includes high street retail banks, insurance services, and mortgage intermediaries. With a 98% customer satisfaction rate, use of PVS is increasing right across business and industry.
