Barclays PINSentry: legitimate?

free4440273

hi folks, just wondering if you can help me. I have just attempted to transfer some monies online from my barclays account to my nationwide flex account. This is the first time I have tried to do this, and I received a message that I was no longer able to transfer the monies until I upgraded to Barclays PinSentry. It asked me to confirm my email address (which I did) and that I would receive the PinSentry details in the post within seven days. Can somebody enlighten me on this as I'm slightly concerned. I checked that the usual https and padlock symbol were visible (which they were). Thanks all.

nicky_s_2

Yes this is legit. I upgraded a couple of weeks ago, and received a sort of calculator in the post which is somehow linked to the bank. You have to insert your card into the machine when you log onto your account and it will give you a code to type into the computer. When you want to make a payment, it will give various codes again for the computer.

HTH

Nicky.

polomint_2

Yes same here. both me and my partner now use this method and once you have done it a couple of times it is really easy.:beer:

Tigsteroonie

nicky_s wrote: »

I upgraded a couple of weeks ago, and received a sort of calculator in the post which is somehow linked to the bank. You have to insert your card into the machine when you log onto your account and it will give you a code to type into the computer.

Are Barclays now doing this too? Natwest started this a few months ago. Personally I find it annoying that, to change an online payment, I have to go find that calculator-thingie from wherever I left it last time ...;)

free4440273

Thanks all for the replies, it's really reassuring. Does the device plug into a usb port and do they supply drivers for XP? Thanks.

Tigsteroonie

free4440273 wrote: »

Thanks all for the replies, it's really reassuring. Does the device plug into a usb port and do they supply drivers for XP? Thanks.

Don't know about the Barclays system.

The Natwest gadget looks like a handheld calculator, with a slot in the top (doesn't connect to the PC at all). You insert your switch card & type in your PIN (this always strikes me as worrying!). Do the transaction on your online banking, it gives you a security code on screen. Type this code into the calculator, and it gives you a different code in return. Type that return code into the online banking and it authorises the activity. Bit of a palaver, if you ask me!

Primrose

Yes, this happened to me too with my Barclays online banking facility. It was darned inconvenient and I think they should be giving their customers 30 days grace before implementing these precautions in view of postal delays occurring with the pin sentry machines being sent out. No, the pin sentry machine doesn't fit into your computer. It's a separate calculator sized gadget into which you insert your Barclays Debit Card. (And this will be a special new debit card encrypted with a special chip) which activates a random pin number which has to inserted into the appropriate box on your Barclays internet banking computer screen). The random pin number will change for every transaction and if you have not been sent a new debit card in conjunction with the pin sentry machine, you will probably find that your old existing debit card won't work and will flash up a "Invalid message" when you insert it in the pin sentry machine.

Nick_C

Tesco recently introduced the same system. They automatically sent me a new card and the security device, even though I no longer use the account and only have £1 in it!

Mikeyorks

free4440273 wrote: »

Does the device plug into a usb port and do they supply drivers for XP? Thanks.

No .... it's a freestanding device.

udydudy

Mikeyorks wrote: »

No .... it's a freestanding device.

they are free standing and exchangeable. i.e you can use any of those barclay devices. I and my OH use only one device (both were sent one).

If I nee dto use it at office I and my colleague use his device which is kept in office. So they must be using some algorithm which uses the chip on the card to generate those 8 digit numbers.

I am all for it as if it makes online banking safer the better!!

Tigerite

I also found out today that the NatWest PINsentry devices will work with a Barclays debit card, and presumably vice versa - which is handy for me, as my colleague at work banks with NatWest and keeps his on his desk all the time, so I can keep the Barclays one at home in future!