Police requesting bank account and sort code

mesmer177

Nearly two years ago, our car had its windows smashed by a distant relative who has issues with my wife and some unhealthy habits. He confessed to the crime and avoided going to court. Instead he has to pay some money to myself and my wife.

The Police have asked for our bank account number and sort code, to pass on to him so that he can make payments ('as and when he can'). However, this seems particularly unsafe, given his malicious nature and the fact that he has other info, like our address and dates of birth.

Am I being overcautious, or is this unsafe?

Thanks in advance.

la531983

People gave cheques out for decades - sort code and account number were on the bottom. Nobody thought twice.

Worst thing he could do is set up a direct debit (easily cancelled) or pay you money.

DullGreyGuy

What do you think he can do with account details that he cannot do already? 

If you are really worried then spend 5 minutes to set up a new account, ideally with someone like Starling or Chase where you can do it all inline and it's done within minutes. Given them those details, receive the funds, move to your normal account, close the temporary account. Both you can setup alerts if there are new DDs setup etc, both will reject requests for payment of there are no funds so even if one was created it just bounces. 

DE_612183

your own back will set up another current account - most do anyway.

eskbanker

mesmer177 said:

Nearly two years ago, our car had its windows smashed by a distant relative who has issues with my wife and some unhealthy habits. He confessed to the crime and avoided going to court. Instead he has to pay some money to myself and my wife.

The Police have asked for our bank account number and sort code, to pass on to him so that he can make payments ('as and when he can'). However, this seems particularly unsafe, given his malicious nature and the fact that he has other info, like our address and dates of birth.

Am I being overcautious, or is this unsafe?

Thanks in advance.

I wasn't aware that police had any powers to initiate and manage financial settlements without the involvement of the courts - are you sure it's them who are asking?

mesmer177

eskbanker said:

mesmer177 said:

Nearly two years ago, our car had its windows smashed by a distant relative who has issues with my wife and some unhealthy habits. He confessed to the crime and avoided going to court. Instead he has to pay some money to myself and my wife.

The Police have asked for our bank account number and sort code, to pass on to him so that he can make payments ('as and when he can'). However, this seems particularly unsafe, given his malicious nature and the fact that he has other info, like our address and dates of birth.

Am I being overcautious, or is this unsafe?

Thanks in advance.

I wasn't aware that police had any powers to initiate and manage financial settlements without the involvement of the courts - are you sure it's them who are asking?

Yep. It didn't even go to court. 

mesmer177

DullGreyGuy said:

What do you think he can do with account details that he cannot do already?  

Given that he knows our dates of birth and address, I should imagine that identity theft is a real possibility. 

DullGreyGuy

mesmer177 said:

DullGreyGuy said:

What do you think he can do with account details that he cannot do already?  

Given that he knows our dates of birth and address, I should imagine that identity theft is a real possibility. 

But that exists without them knowing an account number, welcome to joys of family and former friends

Rob5342

There's not a lot of alternative really these days. They could set up a direct debit from your account but you should be covered for they, if you are particularly concerned then open an account with no overdraft facility somewhere and give them the details for that. 

prowla

The idea of a dedicated account could be a good one.

SiliconChip

Given that he has your address he could send you a cheque each time, that way he'd never know your account details.

Alternatively, find a savings account that will allow external payments in but doesn't permit direct debits or withdrawls to anything except your own nominated account.