RBS vs Santander

crinkleshoes · 22 May 2012 at 22:44

Ok, so I've already figured out that I have clearly fallen in to a hole as I only just found out about this takeover today.

... after trying to log in to my online banking, only to discover what looked like a phishing website.

So, while I clearly need to keep more up-to-speed with current events, there's something that confuses me.

Despite them having my correct address, I have not received a single piece of information regarding this.

I don't understand how they can do this... I have not consented to any such switch & have not consented to RBS sharing my most important details with their competitor. Surely this must breach the Data Protection Act?

I'm not worried about the "state" of Santander UK, I know their financials are seperate from their Spanish partner/parent. What I have huge issue with is them sharing my information without consent!

crinkleshoes · 22 May 2012 at 22:51

I clearly need to... although I'm not sure how a T&C clause can circumvent the data protection act.

... I don't even care that the switch is, in itself, happening... It won't make any real difference to me - it's them sharing the information which feels like a violation.

crinkleshoes · 22 May 2012 at 23:08

Richie said:
Are you saying that when you went to access your RBS Digital Banking account, it redirected you to Santander?

Not quite... it re-directs to an alternate login page with graphics that don't match like the main (original) page with brief mention of Santander.

The dodgy graphics rang alarm bells immediately.

Old banner:

New banner:

The resolution on the RBS logo doesn't even look correct... it's obviously a bodge-job... but it certainly looked like a phishing site to me at first glance! I've seen better phishing sites than this!

[TW]Fox;21980065 said:
Are you sure you are even affected?

During subsequent log-ins they've provided me with very rough details:

This message wasn't coming up earlier, just a re-direct.

I can log in on the re-directed site, but not the original site. So yes, I'm being moved...

crinkleshoes · 22 May 2012 at 23:14

opstrat said:
i used to be with rbs and got a letter nearly every month headed changes to your t&c's. i just ignored them. even if i read them, doubt i could understand them.

I've been receiving those... they seem to come once every 3 months or so... that's one of the reasons I'm so surprised by this, there's been no mention of it in any of these letters.

I suppose it's possible they could have somehow incorporated this in a "T&C" change... although I doubt it & it's hardly a T&C alteration... it's a forced move to a competitor.

crinkleshoes · 22 May 2012 at 23:37

Please do explain how I'm "spouting off a load of ill informed nonsense about the DPA". I genuinely want to understand how they can legally do this.

Does it not bother you that companies can share this kind of valuable information without consent?

Of course not... banks can do anything they want :rolleyes:

Considering I AM a rocket scientist (ok, astrophysicist by degree to be exact)... it's obviously more convoluted than rocket science as it makes no sense

crinkleshoes · 22 May 2012 at 23:41

[TW]Fox;21980349 said:
Because your account is an asset of the bank, and they've sold that asset to another bank.

Is it really that simple? :eek:

crinkleshoes · 23 May 2012 at 00:21

dowie said:
You have an account at a branch - that branch (and others in England) have been sold to another owner - the branch is still the same, your account is still the same - the entity you bank with has changed ownership.

That does make more sense!

So it's not really an exchange of information... it's just a change of management.

Still feels a touch iffy, but I was under no pre-conception that I could do anything about it other than jump ship. It feels like my information has been sold rather than the more rational explanation above, hence the up-roar.

crinkleshoes · 23 May 2012 at 00:25

DB_SamX said:
Looks like a scam; haven't heard anything about a takeover and I opened an account with Santander just last week. Or is it a certain part/account types of Santander?

Nope - definitely accurate - I wouldn't expect any change to your Santander circumstances

BigBoy said:
As for lack of information do you not read/watch the news?

Generally no, I have a 50" plasma but it's not connected to an aerial and I don't have a tv license.

But then... it shouldn't be up to the news to inform me my bank account is changing hands :confused:

Emlyn_Dewar said:
My Natwest account has been doing the same recently.
I got a letter about the Santander thing a couple years back I think...

Should my Natwest online banking site NOT be doing this?

Also had about 5 billion "changes to the T&Cs" emails.

No, it's safe & legitimate... just appears to be a badly bodged new site. It worried me til I found out what was really going on & confirmed the new site was real.

crinkleshoes · 23 May 2012 at 12:51

Praetorian said:
I had this on Sunday and phoned them up to confirm what was going on. It was, yes, a computer glitch due to them trying to implement the required changes (obviously never heard of the test/test/test mantra of IT!).

Have a read of http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/ne...d-natwest-customers-in-santander-switch-alert as it discusses what's happening.

There is no need to open a new RBS account as you can keep your existing account, as I'm doing, by calling the number in the link. In essence, they say that "yes you can stay with RBS however your branch will now be located in Scotland" however they haven't yet made for provisions of the 1.8 million customers who still bank in the UK but its expected to happen prior to completion of the deal.

If you want to proceed, they read a slight legal blurb (saying that they cannot coerce you into moving or staying etc) and they send you a branch transfer form. Fill it out, send it back and your account will move to Scotland meaning only a sort code change.

I already have to go to Milton Keynes to pay in a cheque... would be interesting having to travel to Glasgow instead, lol!

I'm happy to see what Santander will be like & there's a branch in L Buzz I believe, which could be quite useful while I'm still stuck here.

crinkleshoes · 23 May 2012 at 12:52

Jock said:
Plus in terms of the odd cheque etc, all you do is go into Natwest and treat it like you would your old RBS, and they will do everything for you, you used to get.

That's good to know... didn't know they'd implemented that!

crinkleshoes · 23 May 2012 at 12:53

Nightglow said:
A lot of customers have been changing accounts due to the worries of Santander & the euro problems.

Lol... despite funds being ringfenced in this country?

crinkleshoes · 23 May 2012 at 18:12

POB said:
Not considering moving but how long would it take to regain access to your funds? Does it require a claim?

Do you mean if all goes wrong and you have to claim back from your 85k gov protection, or with the move?

crinkleshoes · 23 May 2012 at 18:30

What hidden charges?

No banks have hidden charges... you only incur them if you can't manage your money successfully.

Most banks even offer a 24 hour grace period now, I believe?

crinkleshoes · 23 May 2012 at 19:23

Ahh, thought that might be your q... afraid I've no idea