Thirdfort 4+

Why so complicated!

Update. Works fine if you prepare thoroughly. I downloaded a free NFC checking app to make sure my phone would read the chip in my passport. Highly recommend this as it is how I discovered the Airdrop issue. Get the documents you need in pdf format in a location you can easily access on your phone before starting the process. Seemples!

I spent over three hours trying to work out why my iPhone 15 pro would not scan my passport chip. Eventually, I discovered it was one of the settings under Airdrop. I had set Airdrop to work with contacts only having read about problems with privacy and security on public transport. The NFC scanner will not work unless Airdrop gives access to everyone! So much for being security conscious. You really need to fix this!

Felt very uncomfortable using this app

This app was written by somebody who was very stupid or very naive, I received a text from an unknown number, no explanation but asking me to click on a link to download this app, I later found out a relative had given my details to their solicitor and it apparently was this solicitor that sent the text. I also consider this solicitor to be either stupid or naive and possibly ignorant, we are told these days not to click on links sent by unknown or unidentified persons by emails or text. After investigating the app I find I am supposed to prove my identity, provide proof, provide documents to prove ID and address. Provide proof of income and give access to bank account. All of this without any proof of ID from the whoever it was wanted my information.
I regard this as a very suspicious app that could be open to abuse, if it has to be used provide some form of ID from the lawyer who wants the information to prove it is a genuine enquiry, instruct lawyers who use it to give an explanation to the people they want to use providing their details and why they prefer to use this app rather than getting the info in the traditional way.
I felt very uncomfortable using this app because of a number of security concerns that appear to have been ignored.

Developer Response ,

Hi there, I am sorry to hear that you felt uncomfortable using the Thirdfort app. I completely understand that you are being asked for sensitive information and we would never want our invitation text message to come across as unsolicited. We do publish information on who Thirdfort are and what to expect for law firms to send out prior to completing your check, so it would be helpful if I could have some information on the law firm that invited you to use the app. If you are able to send any further information to help@thirdfort.com this will allow me to ensure they are providing the relevant information to their clients before setting up checks. Our help centre has some guides on how we keep your data secure: https://intercom.help/thirdfort-support/en/articles/4645279-how-can-i-trust-thirdfort, but if I can answer any further questions please do get in touch and I will be happy to help. Best wishes, Kim - Thirdfort Support

Time-consuming non-user friendly app

The developers take advantage of the fact that they have a captive audience whose solicitors want them to use this app. There is nothing at the beginning of the process to tell you what documents are going to be needed and the app doesn’t allow you to save what you’ve put in and come back later if, for example, you need a driving licence. The passport recognition is passable but no one I know could scan the icon on the cover (needs to be a new passport perhaps?). It is too sensitive so it keeps flagging notes about white b/g (which we definitely didn’t have), fingers in view (again not) and glare. In fact we only managed to input anything by turning off all the lights. For the financial information it can’t cope with two donors or that the evidence is in different amounts. When I queried this with the helpline they said, ‘put everything under one name’ which is incorrect and if this info got to HMRC could have tax implications. Would have liked to say it was a good experience but I found it ate up over an hour - a complete waste of my time. Needs much more development. Looking through the reviews I cannot believe this results in 4.5. which cannot possibly be correct.