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Technology

Bank security Grrrrr

(26 Posts)
silversurf Mon 09-Nov-20 19:47:10

Background: I am disabled and don’t go out much. I have a very old Nokia phone PAYG with very little credit on it (not a smart phone), which I keep in my handbag upstairs as I only use it for dire emergencies. Recently every online bank and building society send you a text by phone when you want to log in. I used to only use my landline number on these.
First time it happened I had an automated call on my landline, which has a call blocker, so I couldn’t ask who it was and it messed my phone up completely. Couldn’t make or receive calls. Had to ask a friend to come round (during lockdown) to sort it out. This was an emergency as I need my landline.
Now if I want to use online banking I have to go upstairs and get my mobile then come downstairs again, which takes me ages. That is if I remember to get it before I start my banking, if I don’t remember by the time I get downstairs the time has run out on my code.
Why do these places make things so difficult for disabled and elderly people and demand that you have the latest
technology?

Lollin Mon 09-Nov-20 19:53:26

You have my sympathy. It affects so many . I did not want the expense of a smartphone. I did not want the epenses involved in sorting out the tv either when we had to go high tech. So many things today mean you have to go the expensive route.

Aldom Mon 09-Nov-20 19:53:55

Perhaps if you keep the phone down stairs, near your laptop during the day and take it upstairs at bedtime your difficulty with banking would be resolved. Just get into the habit of popping your phone into your pocket ever morning when going downstairs.

Alegrias2 Mon 09-Nov-20 20:05:05

Hi Silversurf. It might be worth contacting your bank to find out if there are alternatives to using a one-time code on a phone. My bank issued me with a card reader that is used only to access my bank account, nothing else. It lives next to my PC. Or there are ways to use memorable information.

Unfortunately as the scammers get cleverer we have to put up with more complicated ways of accessing our own money!

V3ra Mon 09-Nov-20 20:05:05

Silversurf I agree it is a pain, but it's the way of the world these days and the bank's security is really a good thing for you.
Like you I used to only give my landline number out but I've realised if it's a trusted organisation I need to give them my mobile number instead now.
I agree with Aldom: keep your mobile phone with you at all times.
You can't beat 'em so I'm afraid we have to join 'em ?‍♀️

silversurf Mon 09-Nov-20 20:11:27

V3ra. How true. I do try.

Marydoll Mon 09-Nov-20 20:13:00

It is a pain, but very reassuring. I was having trouble making a payment, thought my card had been compromised, so had to phone online banking for help.
Whilst on the landline to them, , a text came to my mobile from the bank confirming it had gone through.
I was so relieved.

petra Mon 09-Nov-20 20:15:44

I'm afraid your wrong when you say all banks etc
They don't. I bank with Santander. Log on. Enter 5 digit security number, in. It couldn't be more simple.
Perhaps think about changing banks.

Marydoll Mon 09-Nov-20 20:31:58

The Halifax phone our landline with a code, if we are making an online transaction, but Clydesdale send a text to our mobiles.
For M&S, you have to get a code from the banking app. It can become quite confusing!
However, I'm glad they are trying to make things more secure, as frauders are becoming increasingly more sophisticated.

B9exchange Mon 09-Nov-20 20:39:05

HSBC give you a little device that you put your remembered 4 digits into and it generates a one time code. But you would still have to remember to have the device handy before trying to log on.

Blossoming Mon 09-Nov-20 20:47:04

petra you may be in for a surprise next time you try to make an online payment using a Santander account or card. PSD2 requires all banks to introduce this. It is a European directive but it applies to the UK even though we’ve left the EU.

silversurf I have a very old, tiny, basic Nokia handset that’s so old it’s now trendy again! I keep it for online transactions such as this as HMRC have been using 2-step authentication for some time. It’s pay as you go and costs very little. I just have to remember to go get it before I start doing any online transactions.

Blossoming Mon 09-Nov-20 21:04:12

This is quite a good explanation on the PayPal website.

www.paypal.com/lu/webapps/mpp/psd2-new

Scribbles Mon 09-Nov-20 21:06:19

Nationwide offer the choice each time you log in: either a one time code by text to your mobile or use your debit card and the card reader you get (or should do) when you open the account.

Dinahmo Mon 09-Nov-20 21:12:04

Why does it have to be a smart phone and not a landline number. I'm not interested in texting people all the time (one of my friends used to have text conversations with her adult daughter about what they were having for supper???). We have a mobile phone which is kept the car for emergencies.

Davidhs Mon 09-Nov-20 21:21:35

If you’re going to use online banking then these online codes are going to get more complicated because scammers get smarter. Some actually use an App, which means you have to have an up to date smartphone version.

But to be honest if you only have 2 or 3 payments a month writing a cheque and posting it is probably quicker than online

Teacheranne Mon 09-Nov-20 22:26:54

I use Santander and only get a OTC when I set up a new transaction, not when I log in or make a payment to an existing person. I logged in today to put some money in my sons bank account for his birthday and did not get a OTC. I'm sure if their processes were going to change, they would let me know.

I don't have a problem with these codes though as my mobile phone is usually by my side at all times. I also have mobility problems and it makes me feel more secure to have access to a phone whatever room I am in in case I have a fall or some other emergency.

Callistemon Mon 09-Nov-20 22:36:47

silversurf it is a pain, I always have to search for mine and hope it is charged up! I'm not keen on mobile phones but I do appreciate the added security required by the bank.

However, someone did advise that anyone who lives alone or is disabled should always keep their mobile phone charged and very handy in case they have an accident and/or need to call for help.

Callistemon Mon 09-Nov-20 22:38:20

X post Teacheranne
(It took me ages to type that, interrupted by the news)

welbeck Tue 10-Nov-20 00:25:45

have you asked about doing telephone banking, where your voice is your password.
i told a disabled neighbour about this as she found it difficult to find and keep and hide secret numbers, and got them all mixed up, and stressed.
she finds it much easier to ring bank, say my voice is my password, there is a slight delay while it is verified, and then she gives her instructions. simples.

Hetty58 Tue 10-Nov-20 00:36:06

silversurf, I really think you should bring your phone downstairs for the day. Personally, I'd never charge a mobile at night and upstairs

Davidhs Tue 10-Nov-20 07:11:08

Teacheranne is correct Santander send a code when you pay to a new account, if it is an account that you pay regularly no code. I have to say Santander are very good, any card payment out of your regular pattern you get a Yes or No text, very reassuring.

Jaxjacky Tue 10-Nov-20 07:26:51

My mobile is glued to me, I charge it in the mornings, if needed, downstairs, but we don’t have a landline handset. We’re with Santander too and I use their app on the mobile for most banking. I’ve also set Amazon up for double authentication, so I get a verification text to mobile for any transaction, it soon becomes habit.

Lucca Tue 10-Nov-20 07:40:25

I just don’t understand people’s aversion to mobile phones. As you get older I think they are brilliant, you can phone for help immediately etc.
What’s app groups are so useful for making arrangements with different people.,
Cheery little photos and texts from family when a phone call isn’t appropriate.
Sorry but mine is pretty much always with me !

tanith Tue 10-Nov-20 07:54:48

I’m also with Santander I find their security measures really reassuring I’ve set an alert so they alert text me if any larger than £200 withdrawals are made. My mobiles usually charged and in my pocket especially when I’m out walking.

Georgesgran Wed 11-Nov-20 19:53:27

I’m afraid I’ve got to jump on the band wagon that if you are ‘vulnerable’ in any way, you should have your mobile to hand at all times, with sufficient credit on. I bought DFone and it was the only way he could tell me he’d had a fall, hurt himself and couldn’t get up. I’ve also been out and seen a serious accident which I was able to report.
I think mobiles only become a nuisance if you allow them to - just keep it simple,