How do you go about finding a bank account you've forgotten the details for?

[monstertufts]

A dear friend has been having some mental health issues. One of his problems is that he has forgotten things about his past, including some important practical information. He feels certain that he has a savings account somewhere, but he doesn't know which bank it's with, how much is in there, etc etc. Does anyone know if there's a recognised process for finding forgotten accounts?

He did try posting a message about this on moneysavingexpert.com, but it hasn't appeared on the forum yet - not sure if they think he's a fraudster or otherwise up to no good! I'm sure it can't be all that rare, as I have opened accounts which I've never used, and would struggle to remember where they all are now ... but I suppose the difference in his case is that he thinks there might be a reasonable amount of money in his forgotten account.

He will have written info somewhere a pass book , statements , a yearly communication with whats in it . Go though all of his paperwork and see of there is anything to start off with . Maybe start with the place he has a current account with if he has one....

Try registering for his credit report through Experian, think it's called Credit Expert. They usually have a free trial period and you can check previous accounts that have been opened in his name - may be a starting point?

Go to this website and enter as much details as you can find out

www.mylostaccount.org.uk/aboutus.htm

I think it might take a while to get results though

Thank you so much for this advice, some good ideas here. I think he may no longer have the paperwork as he moved house a while ago and much of his stuff is still in storage, so it might be difficult to locate. There's also a possibility that the account could be in Ireland rather than here, but credit reports and the lost account site would be a good place to start, and perhaps there are similar systems for other countries - I'll get him to give it a try :)

Write to the banks! YOu post a letter signed by your friend stating all his details (include any past addresses) DOB, personal details etc and any details taht they can rermber re the account. Most banks have a dormancy procedure so if it was unused for a feew years it may have been close and any remaining balance held in an unclaimed assetts facility waiting to be claimed.

If any banks say they can't help you, then you write back, complain and say if they don't assist you'll take it further!