A & L make my blood boil!!!

Mine's_a_guinness

My husband has phoned A & L today to activate a debit card for his internet based account. Whilst he was on the phone they tried to sell him a "Fraud Identity Service" for £59 PER YEAR. If there is any suspected illegal use of his account they will e-mail him or send him a text to his mobile. Can't get my breath! Shouldn't they do this for free anyway. Is this extortion? If they suspect illegal use and he doesn't pay, does that mean they won't do anything about it? He has told them if their systems are subject to fraudulent use then maybe they should tighten up their security rather than charge the customers. Has anybody else come across this or does anybody know where the customer stands legally?

CopperPlate_2

If you don't want it - simply don't buy it. It's not extortion as there are no threats being made.

Yes the bank systems could probably pick up suspect activity, and they'd probably do something about it if it did, but then why not try and get the customer to pay for receiving a leaflet and helpline number card through the post instead as that's probably all the service entails to us as consumers.

Wyndham

It's playing on people's fears. There is lots in the press about it, and it can worry people when they see the headlines. A+L (and I suspect others) are playing on that. It's the same as card protection services, or adding insurance to a loan - an 'annyulneed' (thanks Martin) which actually you don't necessarilty need at all.

So don't pay it. You have protection already against fradulent use of cards assuming you are not negligent. Identity fraud is a new thing, but similar. However, there are lots of groups such as the CAB who can help and advise if it happens, at no charge to you.