If you’ve had a message from Vouchsafe asking you to vouch for someone, here’s what’s going on, and what to expect next.
This article answers the most common questions referees have, including why you’ve been contacted and what you’ll be asked to do.
What is Vouchsafe?
Vouchsafe is certified by the UK government to help people confirm their identity when they don’t have good photo ID.
We work with credit unions, banks, lenders and other services to make sure identity checks are fair and accessible.
Sometimes that means asking someone they know, like you, to confirm who they are.
Why do you need my details?
We need to check that you’re a real person and that you know the person you're vouching for.
That’s why we’ll ask for a few details about you, such as your name and how you know them. We may also ask to see a photo ID to verify your identity.
We don’t use your information for anything else. Your details are never shared with marketing companies or added to any mailing list.
What has the other person done already?
The person you know has:
asked to be verified through a referee
shared your contact details with us
This means you’re not being cold-contacted. Someone you know has actively named you as a trusted contact.
What happens next?
You’ll have gotten a unique link by email or text message.
The process takes about five minutes on a mobile device or computer. There’s no app to download.
You’ll be asked to:
say how long you've known the person you're vouching for
check that their personal details are right
verify your own identity
It’s not a character reference. You're only confirming that the person is who they say they are.
Do I need to take part?
It’s entirely up to you. If you don’t feel comfortable vouching for the person, or don’t know them well enough, you can decline the request. Just follow the instructions in the message you received.
💡 The process won't affect your credit score or leave a mark on your credit file.