Can see ex-wife's account details on NatWest online banking

Paulxo

Got divorced two years ago.

Used to have joint account with NatWest, but that split on the divorce.

Just signed up for online banking, and discovered I can see her account details, withdraw money etc....

I don't think she's aware of this!

What are our rights on this? Are NatWest culpable? Are there data protection issues/laws broken?

Any advice gratefully received.

CHR15

Sorry I got no sensible advice but I would clean it out!

chesky369

Maybe that works both ways - perhaps she can see Paulxo's account too.

techno_geek

Definitely get in contact with NatWest right away - like Chesky said, she might be able to see your account too!

Also get copies of your credit reports from Experian and Equifax and make sure any financial associations have been removed, too.

Paulxo

Don't think she's aware of it.

Not the type to use internet banking.

Ironic, because she thinks it's insecure. :rotfl:


Thanks for suggestions to 'clean it out'. :rotfl:

Humour aside, I would like to know my/our rights on this?

Wyndham

I think if you take the money that is hers, then she could argue that it is theft with Natwest at fault. They must have some liability, under the Data Protection Act if nothing else.

cryptokit

Hi,

I cannot see any way that this isn't a massive breach of the data protection act at the very least. However there is a reasonable onus on you to bring it to the banks attention immediately. I would do so in writing, stating your name and your divorced wifes name.

A lot is going to depend on the terms you are on with your former wife. If you are "amicable" or similar, then clearly telling her is a good idea. It lets her know the situation, you cannot later be accused of hiding anything, etc. and it leaves you in the clear.

If you are not on amicable terms, I would suggest sorting it all out as fast as possible with the bank (perhaps use fax rather than letters - much faster but there is still a nice written audit trail) and DON'T go into the account again. Going in the first time is fine, thats what you were supposed to do. Having realised you could access more than you should, legally you are likely as not in dubious ground if you then start going in and out and moving money about. You should really leave it well alone until the bank have mended it.

If you don't get a timely response from the bank, and an explanation, then I would suggest going to the ombudsman and / or the information commissioner.

PBA

When you say her account, is this the account that used to be the joint account? If it is it could mean NatWest never actually took your name off the account.

jonathon

Paulxo wrote:

Got divorced two years ago.

Used to have joint account with NatWest, but that split on the divorce.

Just signed up for online banking, and discovered I can see her account details, withdraw money etc....

I don't think she's aware of this!

What are our rights on this? Are NatWest culpable? Are there data protection issues/laws broken?

Any advice gratefully received.

can i just get one thing clear is the account of hers that you can see your joint account or is it in her name only ?
if its the joint account i dont think the bank has done any thing wrong and it would have been up to your ex to get an account in her name only.

Paulxo

Yes, it was the old joint account, that on our divorce was split into two single accounts.

jonathon

Paulxo wrote:

Yes, it was the old joint account, that on our divorce was split into two single accounts.

so the account you can see is an unused joint account or her single account?