Lloyds tsb text 61119. Genuine?

stephanie95798

26 1 2010
Hello

Have received two texts purporting to be from LLOYDS TSB. This is the first contact they have ever made in this form despite having my details for years.

I prefer not be bothered by such contacts but the 2nd text states I have to text "STOP to 61119" to prevent further hassle. I am not sure if this will cost me anything on PAYG phone, I once texted to what appeared to be a free offer via a similar number [nothing to do with the bank] and was charged 60p so don't want to spend even one pence to stop 'junk' texting.

I searched on the number and Lloyds TSB and found this page

[FONT=&quot]http://www.lloydstsb.com/internet_banking/sms_text_alerts.asp[/FONT]

but was alarmed to see it states

"1. Text the following to 61119: REG (space) your Sort Code (space) then your Account Number eg REG 123456 12345678. We’ll reply immediately, asking for the last four digits of your debit card numbers as your Activation Code.
2. Then reply with the following: ACT (space) then the last four digits from the front of your debit card eg ACT 6789. We’ll then reply with a thank-you message to confirm your Limit Alerts are set up."


surely they would not want you to send such valuable personal banking data by mobile?


Could that page and this whole belated texting to me be some sort of scam? The page looks identical to the banking pages I use for my online a/c so its a very convincing fraudulent remake.


Anyone have any similar experience or advice please?


Thanks

Jock_Tight

Since opening another account with Lloyds TSB I now get texts from them.

Got one instantly when setting up a new internet payment (I thought this was handy).

Get info about incentives & products with "if you wish to opt out text "STOP" to 61119".

Dont see anything wrong with it.

jennifer56

Did you sign up for text alerts? How did Lloyds get your mobile number?

Jennifer

stephanie95798

Hello again.

So this IS a genuine scheme? That link I gave and its information not cause alarms to anyone else? Texting the vital last 4 figures plus ALL your bank details? How secure is that? I find it quite shocking.

I may have passed on my mobile number nearly 10 years ago when I bought it as in those days data theft/loss did not seem so rampant and was less confident to challenge what banking staff asked me for.

But now, with banks' tarnished reputations and the regular dispersal of personal data I choose to restrict contacts where possible. I think that is rightfully my choice.

I NEVER requested to be bothered by texts/emails though. I asked them to stop sending me weekly loan offers years ago but some of those still get through; waste of paper/postage and equals extra costs that will be passed onto customers.

No one know if I am to be charged to text that "stop" to have my peace being disturbed?

Thanks for posting anyway.

jambosans

stephanie95798 wrote: »

So this IS a genuine scheme? That link I gave and its information not cause alarms to anyone else? Texting the vital last 4 figures plus ALL your bank details? How secure is that? I find it quite shocking.

The final four digits of your PAN number means nothing without the entire 16 digit number. Look at most receipts and you will see everything except the last four digits of the PAN blanked out. So, it's definitely not shocking.

stephanie95798 wrote: »

I NEVER requested to be bothered by texts/emails though. I asked them to stop sending me weekly loan offers years ago but some of those still get through; waste of paper/postage and equals extra costs that will be passed onto customers.

Call them, and asked to be removed from all marketing channels (e.g. telephone, mail, e-mail, etc.).

With the greatest respect, you've over-reacted. There is very little a fraudster can do with your sort code, account number, and last four digits of your PAN. Personally, I have text alerts from Lloyds TSB (signed up through Internet Banking) and it's a great service. Free of charge, every Monday, I get sent a mini-statement sent to my mobile.

This is one of those rare occasions where the bank is trying to provide a service which can help you.