Banks have been dumping customer details outside
Despite the growing concern of falling victim to identify theft and fraud in the UK, a number of major banks have been found dumping customer's account details in public areas, putting them at increased risk of becoming a victim of this type of crime, and putting them at risk of the stress and financial losses that can result from this type of fraud. Thousands of customers' account details and personal details were found to have been dumped in bins, skips, and bags outside by a number of banks – the eleven branches were those of some of the UK's leading banks including Halifax-Bank of Scotland, Barclays, Alliance & Leicester, Royal Bank of Scotland, NatWest, Nationwide Building Society, the Co- operative Bank, HFC Bank, Clydesdale Bank, the Scarborough Building Society and United National Bank.
The Deputy Information Commissioner described the discovery as 'unacceptable' and stated: 'It is unacceptable for banks and other organisations to carelessly discard their customers' information. It is vital that banks and other organisations take security seriously. If they do not, they not only risk further action from the Information Commissioner but also risk losing the trust of their customers. Individuals must feel confident that banks and other organisations are safeguarding their personal information.'
According to figures identity fraud has been rising at a level of around 30% every year in the UK, and financial losses incurred as a result of this type of fraud have exceeded £1.5 billion. Many are concerned that with banks being so careless with consumer information and account details, identity thieves will now find it easier than ever to steal details and commit fraudulent activity. The information on the documents that were found dumped included names and addresses of customers as well as their account details.
External Links: