bank transfer= frozen account possible?

soolin

Sorry this is a bit vague as I don't want people identified as this is not my issue- it is from someone else.

Has anyone heard of a bank freezing the card of someone based on a single report that they might be a scammer?

The simple background is A sells something B sends them a bank transfer but a day later has reason to believe A may be a scammer so approaches the sending bank. Sending bank says they have frozen the debit card and account of person A pending investigation?

It seems unlikely that this can happen, but person B is absolutely sure that is what the bank has told her.

NBLondon

Sounds unlikely unless the seller and buyer have the same bank for a start. Sending bank could raise an issue with receiving bank's fraud team and receiving bank then act on it but they wouldn't announce the results would they?

ballisticbrian

But you wouldn't know for sure that it was "based on a single report", it could have been the final report in a list.

forgotmyname

I would expect the bank to keep those details private, data protection etc..

I had the bank contact me saying someone tried opening a shop account in my name. All they said is their systems flagged it as unusual, did not name the shop or the location. Just asked if it was me which is was not.

They would not give me any details at all, did not tell me if they used my card details or bank account details or anything and this was my account.

I would not expect them to tell a 3rd party that an account was being closed.

[Deleted User]

It is possible and happened to me!!

Back in 2016 I sold an item over Facebook and allowed a bank transfer.

I obviously wasn’t a scammer and it was the buyer trying to pull a fast one.

I posted the item and used a tracked service to protect me and I’m glad I did.

She approached her bank which must of contacted my bank and my account was frozen, I only knew this because I went to the ATM and my card was swallowed.

I went into branch and they confirmed the account was frozen and was asked to speak to their fraud team on the telephone, I did and explained, I said I had the tracking, they said if I could take this into the bank they would verify.

I was only allowed to withdraw funds over the counter.

I got the tracking, confirmed delivery, took it in and they unfroze the account.

Buyer clearly was trying it on.

Left the bank in the end and changed providers after their awful comments made to me.

So yes it can be done and does happen.

soolin

Thank you everyone , if I get any more useful information I'll update this thread if buyer agrees.