HSBC customer security

newfoundglory

HSBC sent me a debit card in the post, which arrived at the weekend.

It arrived in an A5 sized BROWN envelope, which had an actual first-class stamp on it! The address was printed in a carefully chosen and very realistic hand-written style computer font, making it look like it had been hand addressed to me! It had none of the usual business markings, or a return address.

Inside was a smaller white envelope, with debit card and formal paper work. Along with this was an insert which read in big letters

"We are pleased to enclose your HSBC debit/credit card(s).

Produced under strict security and delivered as a disguised package to ensure safe delivery to you.

Thank you for choosing HSBC Bank plc"

Well impressed. Never would you have guessed this package was even remotely from a bank. top notch job from hsbc! i reckon even our intelligence services would be impressed!

11 out of 10!

darwin-rover

My last Capital One credit card came in 2 envelopes . The "official" one was inside a plain white one , very nondescript looking . Think my passport was similarly packaged too . I'm glad to see they're using their heads in trying to fight fraud .

ollym_3

My last card from them was sent through a specialist courier company and I had to sign...

ritaing

Hi, We got our cards yesterday from HSBC same way brown envelope never would have guessed it was a bank card and you dont have to wait in for signature. Rita.

Fuzzy_2

Doesn't seem to be consistent, as I received my new HSBC CC this week in their standard white envelope. Maybe they're trialing this just in some areas only.

Let_Robinson_Sing

Fuzzy wrote: »

Doesn't seem to be consistent, as I received my new HSBC CC this week in their standard white envelope. Maybe they're trialing this just in some areas only.

Yeah me too. I got my CC and pin in a standard white envelope

Inactive

ollym wrote: »

My last card from them was sent through a specialist courier company and I had to sign...

So did I, and this is the only acceptable means of conveying this high security item in my opinion.

Using bland looking envelopes will not fool the con artists for very long, and is just another example of cost cutting by the greedy, couldn't care less banks.

slates

The method of how your card is delivered is dependent on your postcode, my cards are delivered in normal bank envelopes but my b/f gets his in disguised mail. His postcode area admittedly is better than mine but i believe its to do with factors like missing/stolen post in that area.

plane_boy2000

Slates - agree. An aquaintance used to work for HSBC a few years back. If you lived in an area which was considered to be a bit risky, or you had problems in the past with card delivery then they would send your cards to your branch and ask you to collect them. They used to consider flats with comunal entrances risks etc.

newfoundglory

Inactive wrote: »

So did I, and this is the only acceptable means of conveying this high security item in my opinion.

Using bland looking envelopes will not fool the con artists for very long, and is just another example of cost cutting by the greedy, couldn't care less banks.

Actually, I disagree. Mail delivered by courier or special delivery can easily go missing. The only secure way would be via the bank's own internal mail and have it sent directly to your branch.

Jarlawuk

I had to sign for mine as well - only time I've had to do so for any card.:beer: