How big a risk is it to divulge a bank accounts sort code and account number

where_are_we

I am our cricket clubs league representative, and at league meetings have failed to persuade the league committee to use faster payments instead of cheques to make 2 payments annually - one for fees and one for league cricket balls. Their response is it would be a security risk to divulge sort code and account number. There is about £3000 in the account. Previously we handed cheques over at league meetings but these are now done online so we now have to post them. How big is this security risk?

tempus_fugit

I use a window cleaner and a gardener that both use fast payments in order to pay them for their services. The man that fitted our blinds also did the same. It’s commonplace and if there were any risks they wouldn’t do it. Not much you can do if they don’t listen though. 

where_are_we

Mickey666 said:

Well, every time you write a cheque you give out the sort code and account information so I don't really understand the committee's logic!

You misunderstand. I am writing our club account cheque out with the payee "..... ... Cricket League". Our club`s sort code and account number is on the cheque.

born_again

Surprised no one has mentioned Jeremy Clarkson and when he gave his out.
All that can be done is set up direct debits on the account.

More of a risk posting a cheque and it going to the wrong address and the wrong person paying it in.

My name is H M R Clueless.... Seem that before.

Notepad_Phil

Theoretically* someone could set up a direct debit if they know the sort code and account number but they could do that from a cheque as well. If I had to come up with a reason not to go the faster payment route then I'd go for the 'risk' of a scammer getting their bank detals onto the faster payment (e.g. it wouldn't be the first time that someone has received an email or phone call with changed bank details of where to pay a bill and think it's genuine but in reality it's come from a scammer).

*It has happened - lookup Jeremy Clarkson.

Edit - I see born_again has just beat me to the Jeremy Clarkson reference.

Notepad_Phil

where_are_we said:

Mickey666 said:

Well, every time you write a cheque you give out the sort code and account information so I don't really understand the committee's logic!

You misunderstand. I am writing our club account cheque out with the payee "..... ... Cricket League". Our club`s sort code and account number is on the cheque.

Isn't that what Mick666 just said "Well, every time you write a cheque you give out the sort code and account information so I don't really understand the committee's logic!" I don't think he meant that you physically write the sort code and account but rather that they are on the cheque anyway.

colsten

Notepad_Phil said:

where_are_we said:

Mickey666 said:

Well, every time you write a cheque you give out the sort code and account information so I don't really understand the committee's logic!

You misunderstand. I am writing our club account cheque out with the payee "..... ... Cricket League". Our club`s sort code and account number is on the cheque.

Isn't that what Mick666 just said "Well, every time you write a cheque you give out the sort code and account information so I don't really understand the committee's logic!" I don't think he meant that you physically write the sort code and account but rather that they are on the cheque anyway.

I think the payment is to the Cricket League who don't want to reveal their sort code and account number, not even to their own Cricket Club.

Notepad_Phil

colsten said:

Notepad_Phil said:

where_are_we said:

Mickey666 said:

Well, every time you write a cheque you give out the sort code and account information so I don't really understand the committee's logic!

You misunderstand. I am writing our club account cheque out with the payee "..... ... Cricket League". Our club`s sort code and account number is on the cheque.

Isn't that what Mick666 just said "Well, every time you write a cheque you give out the sort code and account information so I don't really understand the committee's logic!" I don't think he meant that you physically write the sort code and account but rather that they are on the cheque anyway.

I think the payment is to the Cricket League who don't want to reveal their sort code and account number, not even to their own Cricket Club.

Ah yes, the penny drops. It now makes sense.

pbartlett

I would add that you can only set up a direct debit if you are a registered direct debit originator with a SUN number and have made a substantial deposit to guard against DD guarantee claims. 

Neil49

If that is the attitude of the Cricket League then the only thing that will change their minds is when their local bank branch closes and they have to drive 10 miles or more to pay in their cheques.

I think they need to get some young blood in there!

enthusiasticsaver

As others have said I don't think it is a security risk to divulge the sort code and account number as when cheques were issued the details were on there and most if not all  companies print their banking details on their invoices so that faster payments can be set up.  No one can withdraw from the account using just those details so exactly why do they think it is a security risk?  What can someone do with just the sort code and account number?  They can pay money in but presumably that is no problem for them.  Any withdrawals (if online access available) would need online customer numbers, passwords and normally these days two stage verification or signatory details (presumably with id) if done in branch.