halifax, confidentiality disaster

bosch_3

I just opened an ISA with the Halifax
They sent me an acknowledgement with somebody else's ISA details, containing all the info (and more!) I would need to commit identity fraud on that person - address, postcode, DOB, NI number, ISA account number and account balance.
Presumably they have done the same with my details going to some other stranger.

How serious do you think this is, and what would you do? How far can I take this?

At the very least I plan to complain to the bank

Nick_C

Halifax seem to be living dangerously. I got a hardcopy confirmation some time ago of all the electronic payments that I have set up. I didn't ask for it, and fortunately it didn't go astray in the post, but very unsafe and completely pointless as I bank online.

Footsie_2

Complaint to Halifax and they will attempt to resolve it but they will also send you details on how to further your complaint if they are unable to resolve it to your satisfaction.

Primrose

I'd also write to the person whose ISA details you received to let them know how inefficient Halifax is. They may also want to complain.

magpiejay

I had a similar experience in Citibank the other week. Standing at the cashiers window and on display right before me were dozens of filled in detail forms with customer names, addresses, d.o.b and account numbers. I was gobsmacked and told the cashier i really shouldn't be able to see those.

Shocking how trivially our data is looked after, especially with it being such a hot news topic at the mo.

tradetime

I suspect that puts them in breach of their confidentiality clause, doubt there's a bit that allows for accidentally sending your details to somebody else, tell them you want compensation, research how much trouble you can cause them through all official bodies, and consider contacting the gutter press.
Sorry I don't have much respect for banks.

johnmoney05

Hope that is not my details???
Is it a 5 years fixed rate ISA? I am expecting them to send me for 2 weeks now. No sign of it.........worry!

I called them the other day, the guy on the phone answered me "You will receive it in due course!". I also asked him why all correspondence sent by 2nd class post. He answered "this is bank policy!". Not very impressed.

bosch_3

tradetime wrote: »

I suspect that puts them in breach of their confidentiality clause, doubt there's a bit that allows for accidentally sending your details to somebody else, tell them you want compensation, research how much trouble you can cause them through all official bodies, and consider contacting the gutter press.
Sorry I don't have much respect for banks.

do you think there is a serious chance of the press being interested, or the bank paying compensation?

Mikeyorks

bosch wrote: »

At the very least I plan to complain to the bank

Which is basically all you can do .. in the first instance. I'd be more concerned at establishing an ISA had been set up in your name (with the right value) ... than

the bank paying compensation?

As you haven't lost anything (at least until you ask?) .. what would the compensation be for? It's a mistake .... it's irritating .... but it happens and it's not the end of the world.

Mikeyorks

Nick_C wrote: »

I got a hardcopy confirmation some time ago of all the electronic payments that I have set up. I didn't ask for it, and fortunately it didn't go astray in the post, but very unsafe and completely pointless as I bank online.

It's not pointless .. it's an anti-fraud protection. If you set up a new SO / bill payment online .... they write to you to confirm, just in case it's not you that's done it.

tradetime

bosch wrote: »

do you think there is a serious chance of the press being interested, or the bank paying compensation?

Right now carelessness with peoples information is newsworthy, the gutter press is quite happy to churn that sort of fear material out, although in fairness they'd probably like more than one instance of it.
As for compensation, probably more chance of me winning the lotto, I agree, but they get away with this and all their other tactics because the public by and large just sits back and sucks it up.