MBNA - Massive security breach

[Chris_Robb]

I have just obtained my pin number over the phone in 3 minutes flat. All I needed was my date of birth, which is on my EHIC card, Driving licence, and probably splattered liberally around the internet.

I tried this as a result of reading an item in Times Money today. Its really true and an unbelievable breech of security.

In common with many people I have one common pin number for all my cards, so the knock on effect of loosing my wallet - or a break in at my house would be huge.

I have taken immediate action and cancelled my 2 cards with them - MBNA platinum plus, and Amazon cards.

I have also changed my pins ever where else. - been a busy morning.

In the words of Victor Meldrew "I can't believe it!"

 

[fergie_mac66]

one common pin number infact

 

[Chris_Robb]

one common pin number infact

very common

 

[fisherman]

So you could now withdraw to the limit and tell them it's stolen?

 

[Chris_Robb]

So you could now withdraw to the limit and tell them it's stolen?

Good idea, but they would soon trace the number back to my wife's phone!

 

[rivonia]

I have just obtained my pin number over the phone in 3 minutes flat. All I needed was my date of birth, which is on my EHIC card, Driving licence, and probably splattered liberally around the internet.

I tried this as a result of reading an item in Times Money today. Its really true and an unbelievable breech of security.

In common with many people I have one common pin number for all my cards, so the knock on effect of loosing my wallet - or a break in at my house would be huge.

I have taken immediate action and cancelled my 2 cards with them - MBNA platinum plus, and Amazon cards.

I have also changed my pins ever where else. - been a busy morning.

In the words of Victor Meldrew "I can't believe it!"

Out of curiosity, didnt they ask you also for a security password such as your mothers maiden name?

Peter

 

[Chris_Robb]

Out of curiosity, didnt they ask you also for a security password such as your mothers maiden name?

Peter

No, absolutely no other info other than Date of Birth and the 3 digit number on the reverse. This could have been rung to any phone - not one registered to the owner.

What they are trying to do, is make getting a pin to someone on holiday who has forgotten it, much easier. However what do other banks think of this when your stolen cards are used to access another "innocent" bank......?

 

[fergie_mac66]

very common

lot of us about !

 

[Seajet]

Fisherman;

So you could now withdraw to the limit and tell them it's stolen?

spoken like a true Cornish Professional sea-goer !

I remember an interview by a Doctor to a Lifeboat cox,

" What is the first thing you should do upon recovering a casualty ? "

" Search 'is pockets, Cap'n ! "

-Fisherman, only joking !

 

[Searush]

If you wish to remember multiple pins, hide them in phone numbers in a diary/ computer list or mob phone etc. Just don't make it too simple by always using the last 4 digitsor by using names that are clearly identifiable as bank accounts.

 

[Chris_Robb]

lot of us about !

was not certain of your original meaning!

 

[johnalison]

I'm not great at remembering pins so in case of emergency I have a piece of paper in my card case with the numbers written plus or minus a common number, which is the only number I am forced to remember. This number is of course unrelated to my date of birth or anything traceable.

 

[Joker]

Write it in binary - backwards.

(There are 10 types of people: those who understand binary, and those who don't.)

 

[SHUG]

Another way of avoiding multiple cards with the same pin number is.....have only one card!!

 

[Chris_Robb]

Write it in binary - backwards.

(There are 10 types of people: those who understand binary, and those who don't.)

Why not remember one pin number....Doh... forgot about MBNA....

 

[johnalison]

Write it in binary - backwards.

(There are 10 types of people: those who understand binary, and those who don't.)

I'm a bit rusty on binary but how much paper would I need to write e.g. 4321?

 

[Chris_Robb]

Another way of avoiding multiple cards with the same pin number is.....have only one card!!

Until one is blocked upon the irrational decisions of their security department.

When I used one card in Calais at a restaurant (having given details of my mobile to the card company for this purpose) they said "we rang your house, but there was no reply" so we blocked it. Great - I had nothing else to pay with. So that's why I have (or had) 3 to spread the risk of irrational blocking.

 

[prv]

When I used one card in Calais at a restaurant (having given details of my mobile to the card company for this purpose) they said "we rang your house, but there was no reply" so we blocked it.

Which is particularly daft because the one place you can guarantee someone using their card and pin is not, is at home.

Pete

 

[bedouin]

one common pin number infact

I know it is very common - but you will probably find that you are actually in breach of your terms and conditions - that means the could land you will liability for fraudulent use if they discovered the pin had been used.

 

[Chris_Robb]

I know it is very common - but you will probably find that you are actually in breach of your terms and conditions - that means the could land you will liability for fraudulent use if they discovered the pin had been used.

Time to read the T & C's then!