Possible ID theft (direct debit)?

nafe12

Today I got a letter from the British Red Cross, thanking me for agreeing for a direct debit donation. However, I have no recollection of doing any such thing. Further, my surname was misspelt and the address did not include the unit number.
However, the bank details for the direct deposit matched!

A week or two ago I was burgled, but I couldn't see anything taken - I assumed as I had all my valuables with me. My bank statements were still in the house.

I have checked my bank transactions, credit reports and direct deposits, everything is in order except for this spurious red cross request.

So I'm assuming whoever broke in copied a bank statement or something? Pretty unlikely, I would have thought. Or it's just some crazy coincidence...

Any advice as what I should do? Unfortunately the Red Cross is closed until Mon, so I don't know if I can get any more info about the initial DD request. Is it possible for a bank to change the actual account number? Or would I need to apply for a new account.
Should I call the police? Or tell the bank to put a hold on the account?

Thanks for your help!

PS Hope this is the right form, the ID theft link led me here

BlueAngelCV

It sounds rather unlikely that someone would steal your bank details in order to make donations to the Red Cross. Is it definitely them? Check the details on the letter against the internet.

It seems much more likely that whilst doing something else you inadvertently signed up for this.

I'd wait till Monday & speak to RC before going to the hassle of stopping your card/bank account etc.

rb10

1) Cancel the Direct Debit mandate on your current account - do this now, either by phone or internet banking.

2) Phone the Red Cross on Monday and tell them that you will not be donating.

3) Keep a close eye on your account (including your direct debit list). If anything odd comes up, then report it to the bank.

No need to get a block put on your account or change your account number or card at this stage - that will just make things more difficult for you.

nafe12

BlueAngelCV wrote: »

It sounds rather unlikely that someone would steal your bank details in order to make donations to the Red Cross.

I figured it was just a way to 'test' the details they had...

BlueAngelCV wrote: »

It seems much more likely that whilst doing something else you inadvertently signed up for this.

Yeah I was thinking about this. But I wouldn't: i) spell my name incorrectly, and ii) use an incomplete address

But yes, thanks guys, I suppose it's too early to panic!

redpete

nafe12 wrote: »

I figured it was just a way to 'test' the details they had...

That's what I thought.

But yes, thanks guys, I suppose it's too early to panic!

I would call your bank now and tell them about your suspicions. They might be able to put a watch on new DD instructions or other potentially fraudulently activity.

eddddy

Direct debits to the Red Cross can be set up online (take a look here: http://www.redcross.org.uk/Donate-Now/Regular-Giving-Appeals )

Do you use cheques? Anyone you gave a cheque to would have your account number and sort code and could have set up the DD online - possibly as some kind of silly joke.