Natwest asked me to write my pin number down

[ohdearme]

Good morning

When opening a new savings account, the lady at my branch asked me to write the new pin number
on a slip of paper for her. I told her that the media advised that this was supposed to be kept t myself and that I would never be asked for it in full. I am shocked is this normal please?
Regards

 

[fisicx]

I don’t actually believe you. The pin is sent in the post to you separate to the card.

 

[paulears]

Indeed. the endless grief I got trying to transfer two grand from nat west to Santander when I didn't know the pin meant pin had to come via post. I could withdraw the funds in cash without the pin with two bank staff to witness it and I took two grand in cash down the road to the other bank, but the staff had no access to PIN numbers at all. Something very odd going on there - possibly a scam?

 

[Mr D]

Used to bank with NatWest, pin always sent by post.
Very fishy.
Sell it on along with card details?

 

[WaveJumper]

Personally if that was the case I would be letting the bank manager know and closing that account immediately.

 

[UKSBD]

Stupid thing is they send it on same day in same type of envelope (well Lloyds do anyway), meaning if anyone intercepts your card chances are they intercept your pin too.
Almost defeats the object of sending them out separately.

 

[Ian J]

When opening a new savings account, the lady at my branch asked me to write the new pin number on a slip of paper for her. I told her that the media advised that this was supposed to be kept to myself and that I would never be asked for it in full.

And did you write it down?

 

[Mr D]

Stupid thing is they send it on same day in same type of envelope (well Lloyds do anyway), meaning if anyone intercepts your card chances are they intercept your pin too.
Almost defeats the object of sending them out separately.

Mine usually arrived a few days apart.
If people are intercepting your post you have bigger problems.

 

[Working2Late]

Are you sure?

That definitely shouldn't happen

 

[ohdearme]

Hello All,
Wave Jumper, I did let the manager know, I got a call from a staff member back, but got nowhere
with her. At present I have not gone online to register/confirm it.

To Ian J. No I did not. she asked me to use the keyboard and turned her back. I thought afterwards that it may show on screen. Hence I have not done any online banking.

 

[WaveJumper]

Ah so to recap you opened a new savings account in branch, the staff member I am now assuming then set this all up on line, then asked you to put maybe a password or pin into the application, whilst they turned their back?

if this was the case when you got home you could go online login to your new account and then change the password and pin details?

 

[Root 66 Woodshop]

I think you've misinterpreted what was being said TBH.

She asked you to write down the number - she also turned her back when you inputted the number on her screen...

all she would see would be

**** or ******

she'll hit enter - it will save

you'll go away with the piece of paper, get home go online look at your piece of paper input your new pin... you'll then have access to your online banking.

You left with said piece of paper therefore she had nothing left with her... that's your security and your guarantee that you'll be able to do what you are meant to do when you get home.

Nothing wrong with being over-cautious at all... but I think you've misunderstood what was happening.