I'm not into mobiles but a friend gave me their old mobile and set it up for me and all I had to do was register it with the phone company.  So I did that and they asked me for my bank account details so I could just top up by dialling from the phone and it would come out of my bank account.  Seemed reasonable?  They did however ask for account number, sort code, start and end date and the security number on the back, name on the card etc.  In fact everything.

Today I have two direct debits set up on my account with Orange and Carphone Warehouse - my mobile is with neither of these - money already taken from my account.  The bank cancelled them and refunded my money thankfully and gave me the contact numbers of the staff members they dealt with at Orange and CW.  Unobtainable numbers.  Try to contact their customer services - just get cut off or no help at all.  My friend said I should never have been asked for all those bank details, only the long number on the card.  Is that normal practice to just ask for the debit number or to ask for all details?

I've had to cancel my card and keep a watch on my account but I just feel I've been really stupid.  Anyone ever had the same?

I think for any Direct Debit then all the account details are needed - branch name, sort code, account number etc.

Thanks for reply, I did think that at the time.  It didn't seem unusual but somehow someone has got my account number to set up these DDs.  I think I'm going to close my account and open a new one with a new number.  I'm usually so careful as well :(

CG

Hopefully you'll get it sorted CG - I'd be inclined to start over and cancel the DDs too just to be on the safe side. 

When my daughter used to work in telephone banking she said the most common errors for wrong payments were those caused by mobile phone payments - often even when apparently cancelled either directly with the bank (S/O s I think) or through DDs for the mobile phone co's they continued to be taken off for a few months so always worth carefully checking statements for accounts which have numerous payments taken off re household bills etc.

HTH, Teri

No, you haven't been really dumb!  It's a sad world we live in where we panic everytime we buy things online or over the phone.  I'm so cynical now.  I don't reply to emails from my bank re. security details (I reckon if they're that desperate then they'll post something in snail mail) I don't talk to banks on the phone & don't answer the door unless it's someone I know (ok, so I'm a bit paranoid ;-) )

I do or don't do some of those things.

I delete the from paypal or bank emails (most are phishing mails from Banks other than mien).  I also refuse to open the door to anyone who I don't know or has no reason that I am interested in being there.  I shout who is it and if the answer is not the postman meter reader, or aomeoen I know I say no thank you and don't open the door.

I don't give any bank details out over the phone

You don't have to top up that way, you can put your bank card into most cashpoints and there is a top-up option, or just buy the vouchers...

if they want to set up a DD ask them to send the mandates out to you

just be extra vigilant what they take out of your account too, without a specified amount it can be worrying, and it's always difficult trying to get money back...