Demystifying strange SMS messages from the bank

You may soon receive a message from the bank asking you to renew your ARC and/or provide updated IDs. There are two that we have seen circulating recently, which have raised questions. Please note that the bank is trying to ensure that you don’t lose access to your bank account. Unfortunately, the wording is confusing. We’re here to help you figure out what to do!

Message 1:

What the message means:

• The Bank needs to confirm that your are still an active asylum seeker.
• Fact: ARCs (Alien Registration Certificates) do not have expiry dates; they cannot be renewed.
• Instead, the bank needs: A notification from Asylum Service stating that your asylum case is still pending.
• You need to: Contact the Asylum Service office and ask for a letter confirming your case is still pending.  

Please note that Asylum Service office may refuse to give you a notification if your asylum application has been rejected. 

Message 2:

#Your passport/identity card has expired/will expire on 18/10/2024. 
Please present the renewed document to any of our branches. 

Note:  This is a simulated message based on those we've seen.

What the message means:

• The document the bank uses as your primary ID has expired or will soon expire.
• You need to: Look through your documents and their expiry dates (ID card/residence permit/passport) and present your new/replacement document to the bank.

Let us know if you receive other messages that are hard to interpret. We’ll try to help! 

Clip art by Freepik.