Be careful about details over the phone

Tiggs_2

not sure how your date of birth is much use to them, its an easily obtained detail - if ID theft was as easy as knowing the date of birth and a name we would all be in trouble.

i would have no issue giving mine to my bank if they call.

sd006c3768

Give them wrong details it really throws them. I had one continue with the call and I stopped him and asked to speak to his supervisor. After a wait he came back on the phone pretending to be his supervisor. Another one also continued with the call and his supervisor also didn't pick up on the wrong details. I have only had one who noticed the that I have given the wrong details.

If you ask them to prove who they are is also very amusing as they can get really shirty.

Becles

Smile bank did the same to me last week.

I complained and it was a genuine call to try and sell me some other bank products. They said they would only ask for 2 digits from my security code and one piece of security information, but as the security code is only 4 digits long, I don't feel happy about giving half of it out over the phone.

Jarvissa

withabix wrote:

Another good tip is to get a free 0870 number, direct it to your home number and then give the 0870 number to all of the banks and companies you deal with.

Result: Hardly any marketing calls! They mostly hate using them as much as we do (despite using 0870 numbers themselves) or the telemarketing dross aren't allowed to dial 0870 numbers, but it works!

Any I do get make me 1p/minute.

ooh withabix, I like the sound of this!
How do I go about getting an 0870 number?

courtjester

Another example is the Tax Credits Office - I have had them CALL ME to check details on our return, only to be asked to provide security answers to confirm who I am - but you called me on the number shown in your records so you know who I am, says I !!

Didn't stop them insisting on checking me out.... so I told them to forget it and I would call them back at my (in)convenience using the numbers shown on my paperwork.

Don't get me started on the Tax Credits Office.....:mad:

Marsh_Samphire

TheIceman wrote:

I'm frankly surprised and horrified that a mainstream "professional" bank like A&L can be so mindnumbingly stupid.
QUOTE]


According to the report on the telly last week a lot of these so-called professional banks really are that stupid and are dumping client information in bin bags on the street.

phoebe03cat

Jarvissa wrote:

ooh withabix, I like the sound of this!
How do I go about getting an 0870 number?

This looks interesting to me too, does anyone know how to get one please?

ohmsoft

Having worked for a bank previously for quite some time (although never defending their pactices wholly!) I have seen this from both sides.

When calling it is important that the bank (or any other organisation) is confident that the person is the account holder - of course just because it's the number on file isn't proof could be a family member, may have changed numbers or a burgler at work!?

I never cold called and information should never be given to these - I would always start my call something like - "im calling regarding your call yesterday" etc. When someone didnt want to confirm there details - thats fine I would give them the option of calling the office and being put through to me or I would send them a simple letter....

But if in doubt - hang up - that never really offended me, gave me chance for a slurp of coffee!

kathyd_2

I am so cross with myself. Last week I received a telephone call from Fashion World. I think this is a catalogue firm that I ordered a jacket from, out of a Sunday supplement a few weeks ago. Anyway, it was tea time and I was rather busy. First thing she said "is that Mrs X?" Yes, said I, who is this? Fashion World, we want to let you know of our amazing bargains (or words to that effect.) I said I'm rather busy right now, but please take me off your call list and don't call again. She then said I need your date of birth to confirm that I'm speaking to Mrs X before I can take you off the list. I was in such a rush I gave her my date of birth.

What the heck is that all about? She phoned me and I had to give her my date of birth to confirm who I was!!

I have been worried sick that I've divulged information that I shouln't have, but I see that someone here has said they would need more than my date of birth and name to steal my identity. I do hope that is right. What an idiot, but it just goes to show that if you receive that 'phone call when you're in a hurry you could inadvertently give out personal information just to get off the phone.

ohmsoft

I wouldn't worry to much about a date of birth - not entirely sure but think this is technically in the public domain anyway via registars and electral roll.