Someone added a phone number to my bank account!

spidystrider

I received a letter today to let me know that someone had added a phone number to my bank account. It wasn't myself or my husband and I didn't recognise the number.

How is this possible and what can they achieve by doing this? I have been defrauded in the past, so have now taken out identity protection.

ChiefGrasscutter

Either by logging into your account - so they clearly have access to your passwords.......
Or by having enough information about you and your account to enable them to pass themselves off as you on the telephone..........ond any telephone banking password if different from internet banking password.

Change all your passwords NOW.
If you have been the victim of ID fraud in the past you should have some vague idea how your details were obtained.
Ensure your personal details are not available on the web wherever for people to see.
Ensure your passwords are different from other sites, long, and a collection of numbers and letters so as to be impossible to guess.

maninthestreet

Do you have the telephone number?

spidystrider

That really is scary. I buy a lot of things online and when both Lush and Marks and Spencer were hacked, my details were obtained. Both times I had used a different bank account, so I have had two cards cancelled in the past year. I am shocked that my having this basic information, they can now start adding phone numbers to my bank account.

spidystrider

I do have the telephone number and did give it a call and got there voicemail.

Evilm

Its worth just searching the number on Google - its unlikely but it may come up if the person has listed this number anywhere.

I would also let the bank know that you did not add this number and ask if they can track when and how it was added. Since its your account I don't know if you could get a copy of the call if it was done by telephone under Data Protection? It would most likely cost you £10 to do it but it may be worth it to see if you recognise the voice?

I'd also change all your passwords and identification phrases etc. I'd also get a credit report on everyone linked to the account and check no other accounts have been added that you are not aware of.

EDIT: Also it may be worth running a Malware/Antivirus detector on any machine you use to access these accounts - just in case its malware. No point changing all the passwords if they just get the new ones from your computer again!

spidystrider

Thanks for the answers, I am feeling quite stressed about the whole situation. I have changed my password for online banking to a really difficult one. I have taken out I.D. Protection and will be sent out my credit report in the next couple of days to check that no-one has taken credit out in my name. I did try googling the mobile number but nothing comes up though.

I feel my money is no longer safe, which is a horrible feeling.

pmduk

You might want to check out protective registration at CIFAS. It's an added protection warning you if /when any applications are made in your name.

Biggles

You've presumably rung the bank and checked that it wasn't simply a bank error, which would seem the most likely?

Yorkie1

When I set up a new payee from my online banking, the bank sends me a text message or rings me at home so that I can put in a confirmatory number before the new payee is authorised.

Double check that the number has been removed from association with all your accounts and keep an eye on your account for new transactions.