Discarded mini bank statements

Smiley_Mum

I just wanted to say that over the last while I have noticed a lot of people leaving mini statements in cash machines etc, or just dumped on the floor etc. May I suggest that whenever you request a mini statement, receipt etc in connection with your financial affairs that you look after it like it was cash itself. There is a lot of fraud that goes on and it can be a major pain to get your credit records sorted out if someone does steal your ID. It did happen to me at one time but thankfully I was lucky and it didn't cause me too much trouble. Please, please look after your financial paperwork etc.

When drawing out cash, cover the keyboard with your hand so that no one around about or hidden cameras etc can see your PIN being keyed in.

Stand close into the machine and grab your cash as quickly as possible and place in an inside pocket. Don't stand and count it like I've seen many people do, it's amazing. I read recently of a girl getting her cash snatched as she stood and counted it after it came out of the machine.

Be very aware of who is around you when you are using a cash machine.

I think the most vulnerable are the elderly when using ATMs. I see so many of them typing in their details in full view of everyone and they just don't realise the problems that could occur if some dodgy character got hold of the details.

Also, if it charges, ditch the transaction and go check out a free ATM.

One final thing - if you don't already have a cross cut shredder (better than a strip cut one as it mulches the paper up better), then go and get one. They can be acquired quite reasonably at Argos, Tesco etc etc. There is a thread somewhere on shredders.

Also, if you do have elderly relatives etc that use ATM machines etc make sure that they safeguard their PIN etc, receipts etc when using them in town etc etc.

TigerAngel11

I'm also shocked at how careless people are with the mini statements - I was at the cash machine the other day and the man in front left his behind. Being an honest person, I shouted 'excuse me!' after him, which he ignored, and then put it in the slot provided for discarded statements. He was lucky I'm not the type of person to keep it and use the info to commit some kind of fraud. It amuses me that people go to great lengths to do things like cover their PIN numbers to stop checkout staff (who can't see anyway and would never be able to remember every single PIN) looking, yet are so flippant when it comes to mini statements and other financial paperwork.

ACID

Fraud From A Mini Statement???

wallace_3

My chequebook contains more account information than a mini-statement does. Whilst I agree its not advisable to leave them lying about, there is very little chance of someone using one for fraud.

TigerAngel11

I had to use my most recent mini statement as proof of 'identity' when I started online banking and it would be very valuable in conjunction with a few other details, most of which would be surprisingly easy to find.

I certainly wouldn't leave a piece of paper with my sort code, last digits of my card and account balance lying around. People who commit fraud often have very complicated methods of obtaining information and it's better to be safe than sorry.

Smiley_Mum

Like TigerAngel says, it is better to be safe than sorry. The majority of cardwatch sites that I have come across always state that you should dispose of your ATM statements etc by shredding. Being complacent just makes life easier for those that commit fraud. All I'm saying is that everyone should be careful with their financial statements etc. If they have elderly relatives etc that use cash machines too they should be wary when punching in their details etc.

April2

I've even started cutting off and shredding my name/address details from envelopes and mail order catalogues (before recycling the rest - after also removing any stamps a local charity collects).

Yes, it troubles me that I'm getting so paranoid but OTOH ............

Justicia

First of all, apologies for necro'ing a relatively old thread but as my post was highly relevant to the ongoing discussion of ATM security and safety I thought it better adding to it rather than starting all over again... :j

When using an ATM, first briefly check for any devices (card readers) that have been inserted into the slot of the machine where cards are inserted. I believe (and correct me if you know better) that you can tell if something is inserted because it makes the slot noticibly slightly smaller/thinner. Also just briefly run your finger across the card slot to see if you can feel anything protruding from it ~ what goes in must be able to come out again, right?! The card reader saves your card details from the swipe-strip and is used in conjunction with a small camera device that is placed on the "ceiling" of the machine and in a position to read your keystrokes. As I think was mentioned above, always cover the keys when you use an ATM, giving yourself just enough view to be able to imput the correct PIN.

If you are suspicious about an ATM being tampered with DO NOT USE it but instead report it to the bank or company that owns it (isolated machines generally have a notice with a 24 hour number on it). Also, mention your suspicions to anyone else waiting to use it.

Be safe and keep yourself updated with personal safety and security!

cattie

April2 wrote:

I've even started cutting off and shredding my name/address details from envelopes and mail order catalogues (before recycling the rest - after also removing any stamps a local charity collects).

Yes, it troubles me that I'm getting so paranoid but OTOH ............

I've been doing this for a couple of years now too April. I also shred any letters from friends, so that their name & address details are not accessed by anyone. Better to be paranoid & over cautious then take any chances I feel.

Davidboy

Firstly when ever possible us the machine inside the bank, less likely to have been tampered with. I know if outside bank hours and all that. I generally have my wallet in my hand so use that to cover my hand while typing number in. I have even come accross a machine with a card left in it and the account open. Obviously the person was so intense on seeing his/her balance, that they completely forgot what they were doing. Yes I closed the session and delivered the card to the astonished person behind the counter in the bank. Soooo honest! I could have quite easily emptied his/her account!

Another trick, this takes 2 guys, they watch you completing your transaction, just as your card is about to be delivered back to you, one guy approaches you and asks a question, your card comes out and the other guy snatches it and runs. Yes this did happen to a guy in my office. By the time he could cancel the card, they had withdrawn loads of money from his account. I assume they must have watched him put his pin in too! Buggers!


D

daveboy

First note - I am a different user to the one above, we just have similar usernames (mine was a nickname from when I was little).

In relation to ATMs, I can't remember when I last used one. I always get cashback from a supermarket checkout, never once have I used an ATM. I will shred bank statements, but not anything else.

Whilst I do care if my identity is abused, it's the banks that takes the loss.

If anyone is about to abuse the identity of people, I think we should be taking a close look at HM Government and the Identity Cards Bill.

People seem to be forgetting that it's a £2500 fine if you refuse to have one. That's abuse in my book.