Would you reveal your bank details in public?

robatwork

Yes I know that every time you send a cheque your sort code and account number are revealed to a third party. If someone makes you a Faster Payment, you must also tell them your sort code and account number.

I also know that J Clarkson revealed his details and his account was promptly hacked and a DD setup to a charity.

So my question is - is anyone on here prepared to reveal their account number and sort code?

I bet not, and my thoughts are - why not? Surely the banking systems should be robust enough so that everyone could do this without fear. But they're not - so bankers, why not? And extrapolating, just because you aren't prepared to do this, what's to stop some third party who knows your details putting them on some database on the "dark web"....?

stclair

It's only the same as giving someone a cheque which have your bank details printed on.

That's why the industry now allows people to transfer money by using just a mobile number .

HappyMJ

stclair wrote: »

It's only the same as giving someone a cheque which have your bank details printed on.

It's been a long time since I've written a cheque but I do give the energy companies my bank details in the hope they keep them secure.

Savingdad

If I give my details to a financial institution I would hope they have a duty to use them wisely and friends and family pretty much all have my bank details but I see no reason to give millions of random people the opportunity to even try and use them fraudulently so no I wouldnt put them on a public forum.
If you have a reason to need my sort code and account number I'm pretty happy I can give those details out and not fear an emptying of my bank account.
Mainly cos I empty it pretty much the day after pay day normally.

agrinnall

I'm certainly not going to write my sortcode and account number on my pubic region.

meer53

What a silly question.

grumbler

robatwork wrote: »

...Surely the banking systems should be robust enough so that everyone could do this without fear. But they're not - so bankers, why not? ...

meer53 wrote: »

What a silly question.

Absolutely. The answer is obvious.

maas

robatwork wrote: »

I also know that J Clarkson revealed his details and his account was promptly hacked and a DD setup to a charity.

I dont think his account was "hacked", someone merely filled in a Direct Debit Instruction form with his details on.

Then you can claim it back as its been fraudulently set up.

I would give them out to someone needing to pay me money. I have 2 current accounts with the same bank, main account and a "spare". I would give the spare account number out just for piece of mind.

robatwork

agrinnall wrote: »

I'm certainly not going to write my sortcode and account number on my pubic region.

Oops! Then again tattoos are all the rage

robatwork

It's not just friends and family though. Whenever I get an invoice for some building or garden work, I get that person's bank details. So in effect that information is now public.

So are bank systems robust or not?

HappyMJ

robatwork wrote: »

It's not just friends and family though. Whenever I get an invoice for some building or garden work, I get that person's bank details. So in effect that information is now public.

So are bank systems robust or not?

Builders, gardeners whatever have business accounts and if they've set up the accounts correctly the account number they give you is only for credits. You and anyone else can't set up a direct debit against it....at least that is with my business banking experience with Natwest. I had 2 accounts. The main account had all the features you would expect debit card, direct debits, standing orders, the cheque book (which I never used), the overdraft etc and the second account was just an account that accepted payments only and you could transfer the money by bank transfer to the main account when required.

The banking system is robust but there are always individuals out there willing to defraud you or your bank by any means so you should take precautions to keep your account numbers and details as private as possible. Make sure you destroy any paperwork before putting it in the bin. Do you have a shredder? It's the best £12 you'll ever spend regarding your financial security. You aren't liable for anything taken fraudulently though even if you put your bank statements/utility bills in the bin unshredded and they are stolen and used to withdraw money.....but the hassle just is not worth it. You are not compensated for your time sorting it out.