Know your client news 25/06/09 Winners identification insufficient for scratchcard win

Customer due diligence (know your client) rules have been blamed for a delay in making a six-figure payment to a Scottish lottery scratchcard winner, according to the Scotland Courier.

The winner, William Hamilton, won £100,000 on a 100 Grand ticket on Sunday, but lottery organiser Camelot claims it cannot pay out as Hamilton has neither a bank account, driving licence nor passport with which to prove his identity.

An attempt to open a bank account in his name also failed on know your client grounds, as Hamilton had insufficient identification to meet the banks compliance obligations. Hamiltons sister Janet explained that They need to make sure its not being used for money laundering or something. An offer to use Ms Hamiltons account to move the proceeds of her brothers win has also been declined on grounds of player security.

Ms Hamilton made the initial call to Camelot to check the ticket was genuine, leading the operator to list her as the official winner; the request to change the name of the winner in their records may have raised warning flags for the officers responsible for compliance with customer due diligence rules.

The winner is currently awaiting the arrival of a new passport, which should allow him to claim his prize.

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