WELL LOVED SOCKS, CONTACTLESS CARDS AND KITCHEN FOIL SECURITY.

Contactless  credit and debit cards are going to be the the thing to have, whether you want them or not.  Some banks who say they value their customers, have decided that they will ensure their customers have the contactless cards, there will not be any choice.  Either you are a carrying bank card holder, or, I guess, you do not belong. That's real customer service, of a perverse kind.

Just for interest, I went into one bank, where the staff from the manager down did not know what I was talking about when I asked about their policy regarding contactless cards, they had never heard of them.  Yet, the bank had sent out a major mailing to all their customers about their changeover plans to these cards, just two days before!  

There are banks who appreciate that some of their customers,  rather a lot of them, do not want  the alternative debit or credit cards, they would like to stay with what they know, imperfect though the system may be. Customers are currently more comfortable using their 'old card technology,' a bit like a pair of old reliable pilling socks. They may pill, but they do not fall apart.  These banks are giving their customers a choice to opt out of receiving contactless cards.

People who are holding off changing their arrangements are being cautious. There have been 'accidents'.  Funds have been swiped from accounts, where the purchaser has not consciously used the new style card.  Scanners have picked up the details from cards resting out of sight in wallets or handbags.  Newcastle University has been researching the security of the contactless system.  There are ways and means with unsophisticated equipment to scan for these cards -even from across the street .

Personally, I do not find it comforting to know that only five transactions of up to £20 sterling can be lifted from an account before a block is put in place; that's £100 which can disappear.  It is not clear whether that policy applies to both debit and credit cards.  I do  not find it reassuring to hear that the banks will take the risk and refund any losses.  I just do not want to go there.

If you're with a bank that insists you use their contactless cards and you do not want to change banks, there is a way to try and block accidental or malicious scanning.  If you have not got any kitchen foil, then go get some. I would advise you get a good quality foil which will stand up to at least one day of use.  With the foil, line the outer wall of the wallet in which you keep cards; a similar process is advised for purses (if that’s what you use). Otherwise fit a foil membrane into the section of your bag where cards may be placed. 

It would be a good idea to regularly check the home-made foil membrane for splits and renew
it as necessary, to maintain your security against opportunistic scanners and scanning.

MORE VATICAN BANANA SKINS

"The Church does not survive on Hail Mary's alone"

These words are attributed to the deceased prelate Archbishop Paul Marcinkus prior to him taking sanctuary from police investigations, in the Vatican, during the last Vatican banking scandal.  It was a rather dark and nasty affair, where huge amounts of money were unaccounted for.  The Italian Financier Roberto Calvi, also known as 'God's Banker', because of his connection with the bank, Il Banco Ambrosio, was found hanging from Blackfriars Bridge, London, UK. in 1982.

It could be conjected that the latest little Vatican banking scandal, reported today, Tuesday 21st September, 2010,  in which money laundering is being investigated, will be a welcome diversion from the global sexual child abuse scandals that have come to haunt the Catholic Church.

 ALL FUR COAT AND NO KNICKERS !

It defies belief. Maybe not for the organisation I have in mind. Happily, I shall not be requiring too much of them in the future, it is obviously too taxing for them to get things right.

Wouldn't you expect that when you check your banking online, (there are times when it is unavoidable) you would be able to see a statement that at least was bang up to date, with a 'today'. The bank site I visited tonight, all very bright and snazzy, like wearing a fur coat and no knickers, just could not do it.

It did not matter what I tried, for the one account, the best detail I could bring up, was up to early October. One other type of account gave me today's details. If they can do it for one, why not the other? They have received a polite but patronising email from me. I wish the organisation would be less interested in sub-headings for their emails and get their main act together.