Concern over bank’s lack of security
Local bank clients see red over transportation of confidential bank documentation.
CONCERN over safety measures when transporting confidential bank documents has come under scrutiny following a police roadblock at the Golela border post and Pongola last week.
Searching for contraband and stolen vehicles, police officers pulled over a company vehicle that was reportedly carrying documents picked up from a bank at Pongola earlier in the day.
The bank documents were en route to be shredded in Durban.
When police searched the back of the van, they found empty red bins and requested that one bin locked with a padlock be opened during the random search.
The bin contained bank statements, certified copies of IDs, ITC reports, proof of residence and credit history among others – vital information that unscrupulous scam suspects would pounce on in the event of an accident.
Commenting on the incident, Business Against Crime (BAC) Manager Dave Whittaker said the bank and company involved should have strictly controlled safety measures in place at all times.
‘It is not always possible for banks to shred on site, but the bank should seal this information before it is transported. Nobody should be given keys to open the padlock and access that data. People handling these documents should also have security clearances,’ said Whittaker.
Local bank consumers have also expressed concern over this method of destroying confidential bank documentation.
‘There was supposed to be security officers, seals on bags, a drop safe and control register. Why can’t the bank shred on site? People’s lives are at stake,’ said a Zululand bank client.
‘I am extremely upset that my information can be transported without proper safety measures. As clients, we should be informed how this information is disposed of because if this information is sold, it is a breach of confidentiality. This information contains account numbers and confidential correspondence between the bank and clients. I am appalled that a bank can do this,’ said another local client.
