I have just had the most extraordinary phone call from someone purporting to be a representative of my bank (Tracey, I think she said, in Milton Keynes). Without being unduly superficial, I have to say that she sounded like a Tracey.
In effect, she wanted to know what I plan to do with some money that is coming into my account. I told her in no uncertain terms that I found the question grossly impertinent, and that it is no business of hers, or her colleagues elsewhere, what my financial plans are. I can only imagine what the reaction would be if I were to telephone her back and ask her what SHE plans to do with the proceeds of her next salary payment. I would be told, in no uncertain terms, to mind my own business. Why should it be any different the other way around? Why do banks, because they act as temporary custodians of one's cash, assume a proprietorial attitude towards it? I find it grossly offensive that they act in this way. I know it's not an isolated incident; another bank did exactly the same when my daughter had a sum paid into her account recently.
Data protection? Client confidentiality? Banks cite these as unassailable reasons not to tell you about your own affairs when it suits them, but ride roughshod over them when it suits them. Apart from any other consideration, how can I be certain that Tracey was indeed who she claimed to be? And finally, to rub salt into the wound, as I am currently overseas, and Tracey called me on my UK mobile, it cost me good money to be outraged...
