BECAUSE we are in Consumer Awareness Month, let’s look at how we can improve our account security.
The first action is to check your bank statement. Can you identify all the transactions?
Were all the payments and debit orders authorised? Do they add up to the amounts listed on your records?
This is important because scammers have been abusing the debit order system and it’s very hard to reverse the money that was sent off.
The ombudsman for banking services recorded a sudden jump in debit order complaints.
“The office is seeing an increase in the number of problems regarding unauthorised debit orders.
“Four years ago, these complaints were part of out Current Accounts division. Now they fall under their own category, with its own data.
“What’s disturbing is the loss of income to banking customers and the emotional turmoil that it causes.”
“An unauthorised debit order is fraud. If you suspect that a transaction may be unlawful, contact your bank immediately.
How to complain
- Lodge a formal, written complaint directly with your bank’s dispute resolution department
- Ask for a complaint reference number from your bank
- Allow the bank 20 working days to respond
- Ask your bank to give you a written response
Contact the office of the banking services ombud for free assistance if you have any banking problems or need to lodge a complaint, on 0860 800 900 (standard rates apply).