Two debit cards in the post, but not mine !

Angry_Neighbour

Apologies for my first post being a question ! I hope it's just in the right section !
A couple of days ago we had a letter from Barclays arrive in the post. My wife opened it in error (she opens all the post, mine included !) and found it was a PIN number for a debit card. She checked the name and it wasn't us or anyone that has ever lived at our address, although the address was correct. She rang Barclays and they just said to return it to them in the post. However, before she had chance to post it back, we received a debit card along with another card and PIN in another name (I am assuming that is what they are as you can feel the cards in the envelope - we haven't opened them). Barclays are very disinterested and just say to return them as not known at this address. I feel that isn't taking things seriously enough though.
Do I just return the cards and PIN numbers and hope that is the end of it or not ?

Vortigern

Cut the cards in half and return to the issuer with a covering letter. Keep a copy and get proof of posting. Check your credit file!

paulofessex

op it may be worth checking with the forum member who is a Exprian repersentative the best way forward in relation to ensuring the names on the cards are not linked to your address.

capitaine

I agree, simply returning it by post doesn't seem like enough of solution to me. I think i'd do as Paul suggested and speak to the experian rep and also contact barclays lost and stolen department

Angry_Neighbour

My wife is calling Barclays Fraud Department this morning. If they still say just return them in the post, then we will contact the local Police.
Good idea about the credit check. What is the username for the Experian chap ?

Hominu

If you order a £2 report you can see if there have been any searches in your name and who made them, it would also show any credit accounts open. You could then query your report directly with experian via their contact form or by email: consumer.helpservice@uk.experian.com.

pvt

The most likely scenario is the bank or card applicant has mis-entered the address. All too easy these days when it just involves selecting a postcode and house number.

I would open all the letters and check the contents. So long as they have your address on and a name you don't recognise then you are entitled to do so. Just ignore all those who'll come on here and say it's illegal to open them, and that your cat will be cooked and children sold off if you do.

The fraud departments of the various banks will not talk to you, they will hide behind the DPA.

planteria

i would go to a Barclays branch and demand that they take it very very seriously. you Do Not want anyone elses debit cards to be registered at your address. that said, if they were credit cards i would be more concerned (id have opened the second envelope to check by now)

dzug1

It's unrealistic to expect Barclays to discuss it in detail with you - for all they know at this stage before they have investigated you could be the defrauding party

Just do as they ask and if you feel paranoid do the credit checks.

Angry_Neighbour

dzug1 wrote: »

It's unrealistic to expect Barclays to discuss it in detail with you - for all they know at this stage before they have investigated you could be the defrauding party

Just do as they ask and if you feel paranoid do the credit checks.

I realise they can't talk in detail, but they seem completely disinterested. Even a reference number and a different address to return them to would be nice. Just sticking them back in the post box to be returned to a PO Box number doesn't seem very good.

Gromitt

The idea is that if they are returned 'undelivered' then they know the address is wrong and they'll suspend the account until the owner provides proof of their address.

Alternatively you could just shred the PIN notification, cut the cards in half and return them to a local branch.

Either way, they'll not get to the intended recipient and someone will be wondering where they are.

Considering that you've already done the former, I'd be tempted to just shred the lot.