I got a phone call today from a young chap who sounded like he was in a call centre based in the Midlands. I could hear others talking in the background.
"This is HSBC, is this a good time to talk?"
No, it's half-term you idiot. "Not really."
"I just need to confirm some details with you."
Huh? You called me.
He went on to give me the first three characters of my post code, and asked me for the rest. Then he gave me my birth month, and wanted me to fill in the blanks.
Yeah, right, like I'm going to give him personal details.
I used call back and it went to an automated answer and then another midlands accent came on the line. I asked if he was from was HSBC.
"No, this is Quality Choice Insurance."
Really.
I called back five minutes later and they changed the voicemail to say "You have been called by HSBC. There is no need to return the call." The number is 0800 7838422 if you would like to try it yourself.
So, either this is a clever fraudster or it is some insurance scheme backed by HSBC.
What I want to know, HSBC, is how they hell they got my personal data?





