How safe is getting security number on the phone

Depressed

Hi everybody

I have this perhaps silly question. How does getting your bank security number over the phone actually work? My bank says to get a security number for phone banking and/or internet banking, one has to call a certain number to have them set it up for you. Then when you call you have to give details about yourself to identify yourself to them. Then the bank personel will get to know your security number + your other details, would that itself not be a risk for identity fraud etc ?
Maybe some of you out there knows how the whole process actually works and give me some peace of mind?
Thanks.

Scousebird_2

which bank dearest??

Depressed

Scousebird wrote: »

which bank dearest??

The Bank is HSBC. Is phoning the bank the only way to get this bank security number. How does the other banks operate? Does anyone knows?
Thanks for helping.

ShelfStacker_3

I got my security number set up in branch when I opened the account. May be best to go down there if you're uncomfortable doing it over the phone.

bryanb

The security No is only a small part of the logging in to internet banking with HSBC. The real laugh comes when you have to input your date of birth (Nobody knows that!)
Finally you use 3 digits of a six figure No that you have chosen. There are better logins!
When I set up security questions with the Coventry BS they insisted that I kept my mother's maiden name a secret !!!

dellwear

You may say there's better logins but HSBC online banking has less fraud than the others for some reason.

bryanb

Very pleased to read that. I opened my account with the Midland, it's been OK so far.

gt94sss2

Depressed wrote: »

The Bank is HSBC. Is phoning the bank the only way to get this bank security number.

As has been said, HSBC have the lowest level of online banking fraud (compared against the other big banks)

There are 3 ways to set up a security number with HSBC:

1) HSBC post you a customised security form on which all you enter is your chosen 'security number' which you then post back in a supplied envelope.

2) Go into a branch and the staff their will enter or or ask you to type it in after confirming your ID.

3) By telephone: depending on when I have called to reset my security details, sometimes you tell the staff your number and they enter it and at other times I have been transferred to an automated system where I use my telephone keypad to enter relevant number.

Regards
Sunil

Depressed

gt94sss2 wrote: »

As has been said, HSBC have the lowest level of online banking fraud (compared against the other big banks)

There are 3 ways to set up a security number with HSBC:

1) HSBC post you a customised security form on which all you enter is your chosen 'security number' which you then post back in a supplied envelope.

2) Go into a branch and the staff their will enter or or ask you to type it in after confirming your ID.

3) By telephone: depending on when I have called to reset my security details, sometimes you tell the staff your number and they enter it and at other times I have been transferred to an automated system where I use my telephone keypad to enter relevant number.

Regards
Sunil

Thanks Sunil and all you others who helped. When you say telephone keypad,do you mean your mobile phone keypad? How soon can you then log in to use internet banking after your number has been set up?

gt94sss2

Depressed wrote: »

Thanks Sunil and all you others who helped. When you say telephone keypad,do you mean your mobile phone keypad? How soon can you then log in to use internet banking after your number has been set up?

Yes, your mobile phone (or landline) keypad - their system identifies the numbers from the tones generated.

You can access internet banking immediately once the information has been reset. In the past, when I have reset my information I have often logged in by the time the call has ended to ensure that it works!

Regards
Sunil

thespudman

The staff cant see the number either, it appeares starred out on their screen. The main way you are identified when you call HSBC is through the IVR system which is the automated push button system. Which asks for your date of birth in DDMMYY format, then a random selection of 3 digits form your security number. When your call is put through to an advisor they know your identified. You can reset the number in branch with ID, or on the phone where they ask you recent account activity and security words that will have been set up when you opened the account. Such as mothers maiden name / favourite place etc.