What can you do with a name, account number and sort code?

Hypothetically speaking if you had someone's name, account number and sort code would you be able to take money out of their account? I know someone who thinks he left his details in a public place.

Scroll to see replies

Reply 1

Muffinz

Yes, he should probably cancel the account if he's worried.

Reply 2

hypocriticaljap

Jeremy Clarkson was so convinced by bank security he published that exact information in the press and said he was safe.
He had to recant pretty quickly when someone set up a direct debit from his account!

Reply 3

mickyhamps

finally someone brings it up :biggrin:

the only thing you can do with that info is put money INTO the account. it only becomes a problem when they have your address, dob etc... so if someone gets the account number and sort code the most they can do is pay into the account.

Reply 4

Zweihander

mickyhamps

finally someone brings it up :biggrin:

what about buying off the internet?

Reply 5

paddyman4

Zweihander

what about buying off the internet?

They would need his card number (the long one on the front) and likely his security code, expiration date and date of issue.

My email and facebook got hacked once and I was worried there was e keylogger on my computer, and I do online banking. Nawest told me they wouldn't be able to get money out of my account even if that were the case, and the sort code and stuff can be found out from my online banking account.

He's got nothing to worry about. Your account number, name and sort code are written on every cheque you write. It would be a pretty rubbish system if writing someone a cheque gave them all the information needed to steal your money.

Reply 6

hypocriticaljap

mickyhamps

finally someone brings it up :biggrin:

That's what Clarkson thought.
He was wrong too.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-506242/Clarkson-hoist-petard-fraudster-sets-charitable-direct-debit-using-bank-details.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2008/jan/07/personalfinancenews.scamsandfraud

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7174760.stm

Reply 7

Zweihander

hypocriticaljap

Why does the British Diabetic Association not ask for some sort of verification? isnt there a law against it?

Obviously not!!!

The clarkson thing was a bit of a jip though, they set up a direct debit to a charity.

Out of the hundreds of thousands of people who saw it, ONE person managed to set up a direct debit to a charity - my guess is, a bank employee up for a laugh.

You cant steal someones money with just account number and sort code - otherwise it would be a silly system, because thats the exact info you have to give out to receive money. Even gas companies/electric companies who take direct bank transfer give out account numbers and sort codes.

Reply 10

mickyhamps

mr. Michael Tierney
17856167
771103

there you go. steal my money lol

without an address there isnothing that can be done at all.

Reply 11

Lamptastic

paddyman4

He's got nothing to worry about. Your account number, name and sort code are written on every cheque you write. It would be a pretty rubbish system if writing someone a cheque gave them all the information needed to steal your money.

This, is a very good point.

Reply 12

JASMINE PATEL

What if the person has your name, address, account number and sort code then what can they do with it?

Reply 13

hypocriticaljap

Jeremy Clarkson did this arrogantly thinking his details were safe and someone set up a charity direct debit from his account.

Reply 14

Asimus

I'm kind if worried about this myself. A friend owes me money and was going to do a direct bank transfer from his account to mine. He needs my sort code and account number to do it. Surely if it's required to put money into the account its a bit of a security risk if it's all you need to take it out? :-/

Reply 15

Mbob

Original post by Asimus

Well..

It's possible to set up a Direct Debit using just those details. However, only companies who have been issued with an SUN can receive money via direct debits - this means that they are all, in principle, regulated. In effect they are sponsored by a bank - and it is the bank who takes the money.

There is also the Direct Debit Guarantee, which basically means that if there is an error, you can get your money back. Companies which are issued with SUNs often have to have large deposits with the bank which the bank can then recover any money lost in this way.

So while in principle, an organisation with an SUN could steal your money using just your basic account details, it is unlikely, and you can get your money back.

Reply 16

cl_steele

well people could put money into said persons account? otherwise naff all..

Reply 17

SoulfulBoy

Original post by Zweihander

Hypothetically speaking if you had someone's name, account number and sort code would you be able to take money out of their account? I know someone who thinks he left his details in a public place.

Give me yours and I will give you my best shot. :wink:

Reply 18

walterwhite123

Original post by hypocriticaljap

He would have got his money back.

Lots of companies put their account details on their websites. If someone wants to defraud you they will, but considering every single cheque you write out has your details on then there is little to worry about.

Reply 19

TheCurlyHairedDude

It depends, if the person has the card then they can take money out the account. Most websites only need the information on the card to buy stuff tbh....