Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Brian Nunn on October 24, 2017, 05:07:47 pm

Title: Safe to give out sort code and account number?
Post by: Brian Nunn on October 24, 2017, 05:07:47 pm
Is it safe to give out to clients my sort code and account number so they can send me payment via bank transfer, faster payment, BACs?

I assumed it would be safe but from Googling the question opinions do vary.

What about if they also know my address and D.O.B,  is it safe to give out sort code and account number?
Title: Re: Safe to give out sort code and account number?
Post by: Cookie on October 24, 2017, 05:11:30 pm
How are they going to pay you via BACS if they don't have these details?

As long as you don't broadcast it on your website it should be fine.
Title: Re: Safe to give out sort code and account number?
Post by: M & C Window Cleaning on October 24, 2017, 05:17:37 pm
Local window cleaner to me puts his on his business card.

I wouldn't go that far but I do give it to customers who want to pay this way. Had about 15 or so payed that way last week.
Title: Re: Safe to give out sort code and account number?
Post by: Walter Mitty on October 24, 2017, 05:56:13 pm
I supply it on request.  It's less information than you would see on a cheque.
Title: Re: Safe to give out sort code and account number?
Post by: nathankaye on October 24, 2017, 06:00:00 pm
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/money/2008/jan/07/personalfinancenews.scamsandfraud
Title: Re: Safe to give out sort code and account number?
Post by: dazmond on October 24, 2017, 06:16:08 pm
Is it safe to give out to clients my sort code and account number so they can send me payment via bank transfer, faster payment, BACs?

I assumed it would be safe but from Googling the question opinions do vary.

What about if they also know my address and D.O.B,  is it safe to give out sort code and account number?

if you want customers to pay by BACS transfer then you have no choice.

why worry about things that might never happen? ::)roll
Title: Re: Safe to give out sort code and account number?
Post by: Soupy on October 24, 2017, 06:17:52 pm
We give out bills with them on (easily done with cleaner planner), it's standard practice.  Look at any bill you have, the bank details will be on there somewhere.

I wouldn't put them on the website or publish them in the paper though.
Title: Re: Safe to give out sort code and account number?
Post by: Susan Dean (1stclean) on October 24, 2017, 07:05:29 pm
its on all our calling cards and invoices as well
Title: Re: Safe to give out sort code and account number?
Post by: koop on October 24, 2017, 07:34:23 pm
I bloody hope so been doing it on my invoices for years....
Title: Re: Safe to give out sort code and account number?
Post by: capn sparkle on October 24, 2017, 08:07:00 pm
Could always lie about your age!

I look faaaaaaantastic for 31  ;D
Title: Re: Safe to give out sort code and account number?
Post by: richard groves on October 24, 2017, 08:41:59 pm
I just have a separate current account for bacs payments, its details are on all my bills and stated as the preferable payment method. I internally transfer and empty any payments by internet banking every other day, never make payments from it or even use the card. I suppose ( not sure how ) fraud could be committed , nothing or nobody seems 100% safe anymore but it would look highly suspect and out of the ordinary to my bank if someone were to try something ..... but who knows  ???
Title: Re: Safe to give out sort code and account number?
Post by: Plankton on October 24, 2017, 09:07:31 pm
I was given two different answers from the same bank! On the other hand is it safe to let people you don't have a clue about look through your unlocked windows on a regular basis within reach of keys, wallets, expensive ornaments etc!
Title: Re: Safe to give out sort code and account number?
Post by: Brian Nunn on October 24, 2017, 09:14:22 pm
How are they going to pay you via BACS if they don't have these details?

They aren't.

As long as you don't broadcast it on your website it should be fine.

My customers pay by cash or cheque.
But when they are not in and to save me having to call back to pick up payment I was thinking
of posting through an envelope with a slip inside asking for payment via bank transfer.

The slip wpould contain my sort code and accout number.
Title: Re: Safe to give out sort code and account number?
Post by: Brian Nunn on October 24, 2017, 09:15:32 pm
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/money/2008/jan/07/personalfinancenews.scamsandfraud

Yes, I had read this article that was linked onanother forum before posting here.
Title: Re: Safe to give out sort code and account number?
Post by: Brian Nunn on October 24, 2017, 09:17:19 pm
Is it safe to give out to clients my sort code and account number so they can send me payment via bank transfer, faster payment, BACs?

I assumed it would be safe but from Googling the question opinions do vary.

What about if they also know my address and D.O.B,  is it safe to give out sort code and account number?

if you want customers to pay by BACS transfer then you have no choice.

Correct.

why worry about things that might never happen? ::)roll

 ::)roll

Title: Re: Safe to give out sort code and account number?
Post by: H2GoKent on October 24, 2017, 09:27:26 pm
I've been doing it for years and never had a problem.

Under the rules if fraud is committed the bank is obligated to pay you back and THEN check if you have been negligent. Giving out your account number and sort code is not negligent.
Title: Re: Safe to give out sort code and account number?
Post by: Shrek on October 24, 2017, 09:32:57 pm
The only thing someone can do is set up a direct debit (I think) . Once they’ve done that , it can be traced back to them and then they’re done for fraud
Title: Re: Safe to give out sort code and account number?
Post by: AuRavelling79 on October 24, 2017, 09:36:20 pm
My payment slips have these details on them. My address, a/c no. sort code. No envelope - just the slip through the door which is always a yellow coloured paper slip.

I don't put the name of my bank (although the sort code gives that away) or the exact name of the bank account.

I have been putting out about 100 of these per month for over 5 years now.
Title: Re: Safe to give out sort code and account number?
Post by: G Griffin on October 24, 2017, 10:08:20 pm
Give them someone else's account number and sort code. That way they'll pilfer someone else's dough.
Title: Re: Safe to give out sort code and account number?
Post by: Brian Nunn on October 25, 2017, 11:04:53 am
Thank-you for the replies, very interesting to hear of your experiences.
Title: Re: Safe to give out sort code and account number?
Post by: Brian Nunn on October 25, 2017, 11:05:55 am
Give them someone else's account number and sort code. That way they'll pilfer someone else's dough.

Great idea gg, can I use yours?