Yes, I can confirm that my wife of 44 years REALLY is my wife

K.W. writes: I am sending you a copy of a letter from M&S Bank, requesting certified copies of identity documents for my wife of 44 years who is an additional cardholder on my account. I am also sending you a copy of my reply. THE letter from the bank explains that it is ‘introduc- ing a series of initiatives designed to better protect all our customers from fraud and financial crime’.

It then asks you for documents proving your wife’s identity and home address. The bank adds that it prefers ‘government-issued documents that include a photo’.

You are supposed to photocopy these documents and then find someone approved by the bank who will certify their accuracy. Your wife would have to be known by the person who signs the certificate, or at least stand in front of them so they could confirm the photographic evidence.

The list of approved professionals is odd. Predictably, it includes solicitors, magistrates and doctors. Less predictably, M&S Bank will give the thumbs-up to anyone who is a director of a limited company, a category that includes countless crooks. Your reply is dry but amusing. You offer to confirm that your wife is indeed your wife. If this is not enough, you say, M&S can revoke your card and you will do your shopping at John Lewis and Waitrose.

I invited M&S to comment and asked why your wife had not been asked for this paperwork before her card was issued. It repeated that it carries out checks even on existing customers, but added that you could avoid the need to get documents certified. It will be enough for you to take them to an M&S Bank branch – something not mentioned in the bank’s original letter. Still an inconvenience, but better than nothing.