Business Student's Bungling Bank Bid

A business student, who clumsily forged a telephone bill in a bid to use it as authentic identity when opening a bank account in the heart of the U.K.’s financial district, has been fined.

Asif Ahmed Chowdhury, 26, of Westmeads Road, Whitstable, Kent, was arrested after suspicious bank staff in the City of London called police to the branch.

Chowdhury, also employed part-time at a Whitstable Indian Restaurant that provides his accommodation, pleaded guilty to possessing a counterfeit B.T. phone bill for use in the course of or in connection with fraud on August 24 at Halifax, Bishopsgate.

Prosecutor Mrs. Alexa Morgan told City of London Magistrates’ Court it was 5pm when Chowdhury offered the bill as proof of identity and residence at the busy branch (pictured).

Staff realized he had simply superimposed his own name and address on a photocopied bill and raised the alarm.

Chowdhury entered the U.K. in 2007 on a student visa to study for a degree in business administration.

The first-time offender was fined £150, with £90 costs.