Watch your Bank Accounts

[mustard-tree]

I recently had 2 instances of unknown companies setting up direct debits on my account.

They each took just £1 described as initial payment.

I didnt set them up, and have no idea who they are.

I phoned my bank`s fraud line, and the payments were refunded to my account.

As I have online banking, I spotted these quickly and was able to cancel the direct debits immediately.

So scrutinise your statements carefully, either online or on paper.

[bitsnknots]

Thanks for the warning.  I've just checked mine and luckily, everything's OK.  Good job you spotted it.

[023mjc]

Thanks for the heads up.  Mine are the paper kind, so won't show up for a month, but I'll check very carefully when it does.

[john.b74]

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@mustard-tree wrote:

I recently had 2 instances of unknown companies setting up direct debits on my account.

They each took just £1 described as initial payment.

I didnt set them up, and have no idea who they are.

I phoned my bank`s fraud line, and the payments were refunded to my account.

As I have online banking, I spotted these quickly and was able to cancel the direct debits immediately.

So scrutinise your statements carefully, either online or on paper.

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They are testing ,to see if they can empty your account. keeping checking each day.

[5129frederick]

I have just set up a new bank account and the manager was surprised to say the least when I point out that I never had, and indeed never would, bank on line.

"But it's so easy."  He insisted.

"Yes, easy for me but equally easy for them!" I replied.  Some of the biggest thefts in history have been with the use of a mouse.  If you are the holder of somebody's personal details through clandestine operations you can empty somebody's bank account in seconds from anywhere in the country.  If I use a cash card I will always use one inside the bank, not on the street.

[023mjc]

I hate it when every one expect you to do everything on line.  I'm not very computer savvy, and I much prefer to have cash in my hand, and a file for all my paper statements. I just about manage on ebay, and there is never a fortune in my paypal account.  I would hate to lose it, but it wouldn't kill me.

I'm sure it is easy - for them. But the words old dogs and new tricks comes to mind. I just tell them I don't have a computer.

[dark_castle1]

empty my account john ! if they get into my account they are more likely to feel sorry for me and put something in it !    

[bankhaunter]

When I had a small amount removed from my account, Nationwide were on to it immediately and stopped my debit card.

[bitsnknots]

On a slightly different subject, about five years ago, someone very kindly tried to spend £700 on Debenhams website trying to use my mum's credit card.  The card supplier thought something wasn't right so they refused payment.  However, someone had spent £24 at a place we'd never heard of.  

We always check our credit card statements just to be on the safe side.

[cee-dee]

I once had a small payment taken from one of my cards and the bank stopped it, cancelled the card and issued a new one.

When I phoned in they said that the scammers make a small payment, often to a charity to test the card before going on to clear the account.

I dunno how they got the card details and the bank wouldn't make any suggestions either.

[artful_dodgings]

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@5129frederick wrote:

I have just set up a new bank account and the manager was surprised to say the least when I point out that I never had, and indeed never would, bank on line.

"But it's so easy."  He insisted.

"Yes, easy for me but equally easy for them!" I replied.  Some of the biggest thefts in history have been with the use of a mouse.  

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In a nutshell Frederick, in a nutshell.

Online banking ? Not with the proverbial ten foot bargepole.