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On Sat, Jan 09, 2010 at 09:49:09PM +0000, Gordon Henderson wrote:
> On Sat, 9 Jan 2010, Simon Waters wrote:
>
> Except that they don't need a signature these days. Merely knowing
> the sort code & account number is more than enough...
>
It is not cost effective for banks to verify signatures for small
amounts. But if you set up a direct debt verbally and received the goods how do
you prove that you did not set the DD up?
> Of-course the DD guarnatee sort of stops people doing it
> maliciously, but...
>
The other related issue is that of ID theft.
If "they" know
- Where you live
- Your bank details
- Your social history (family names, birthdays etc) (and
as most people have simple passwords based on these)
Then stealing the id is much easier
http://www.met.police.uk/fraudalert/section/identity_fraud.htm
http://www.cifas.org.uk/default.asp?edit_id=561-56
If you are careful, check your credit histories, check your statements,
change default passwords etc etc then the downside is minimal. And
because you would catch the event quickly I doubt there would be any
harm.
But I doubt anyone can defend against a serious attack from people who are
prepared to spend money to learn about you. But why would anyone spend
serious time and money to do that to a normal citizen? If you are
famous or infamous or a "target", yes
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/privacy
On the other hand if you are dealing with a casual crime then
Two campers are walking through the forest when they suddenly encounter
a grizzly bear.
The bear rears up on his hind legs and lets out a terrifying roar.
Both campers are frozen in their tracks.
The first camper whispers, "I'm sure glad I wore my running shoes
today."
"It doesn't matter what kind of shoes you're wearing, you're not gonna
outrun that bear," replies the second.
"I don't have to outrun the bear, I just have to outrun YOU," he
answers.
--
Henry
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