Latest HSBC data breach - personal identity theft

Beta74

A couple of weeks ago I applied to open an HSBC Small Business bank account - only to receive the following email this morning: "We recently became aware of unauthorised access to a third-party platform, which held documents, images and contact information provided when you applied to open a new HSBC UK business banking account. Due to this incident, there’s a risk of potential attempts at identity theft or fraud."

I'm told 13 categories of my personal info has been stolen (ie the info I provided to verify to HSBC that I was eligible to open an account). How ironic - and too late. Yesterday someone tried to open a Monzo account in my name.

If you have tried to open an HSBC small business/charity account in the past few weeks. Be aware - and make sure you contact all the relevant parties to report this!

born_again

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6629647/hsbc-business-application-alert-email#latest

Shazzerjonesbones

Ok so my problem with this is , the email came from a strange source with a link in it to sign up to expedia, Hsbc should really be making the email more secure. We are told never to click on links yet here are HSBC telling us to do just that.
My next point is how di this happen and exactly what data do they hold ? More help neds to be given 

janusd

Shazzerjonesbones said:

Ok so my problem with this is , the email came from a strange source with a link in it to sign up to expedia, Hsbc should really be making the email more secure. We are told never to click on links yet here are HSBC telling us to do just that.
My next point is how did this happen and exactly what data do they hold ? More help neds to be given

I did check the email headers and content closely before posting it - I have no doubt that it is a genuine email from HSBC. In the email that I received, there were no hyperlinks - to use the Experian link, you would need to copy & paste the shown URL into a browser.

I already had a free Experian account, but I decided to take advantage of this free subscription - thankfully, there was nothing to report on my Experian credit file - I will also be keeping closer tabs on the reports with the other credit agencies.

as to what data they hold, then it will likely be whatever you sent them - I suspect it was their Digital Onboarding system that uses Adobe Acrobat Sign that someone got access too... though I could well imagine they would be reluctant to go into what, where and how.

if you are concerned about this, you should give HSBC a call on the number in the email.