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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Not to give bank details

54 replies

Squills · 16/10/2016 16:21

I've just had a guy turn up at my door asking if I'd like to contribute to funding the Sussex and Surrey Air Ambulance. I said I would like to contribute and he then produced a tablet and asked me to fill in my bank account and sort code number so that a direct debit could be set up.

I refused and he asked what it was about him that I didn't trust. I said that it wasn't anything to do with him personally it was just that I wasn't happy giving banking details via his tablet. I said I didn't mind doing it online via my own wifi and computer. He gave me the impression that I was being awkward. I felt, as he already knew my address, giving my bank details on the doorstep was a step too far.

Was I being too suspicious or not?

OP posts:
PotteringAlong · 16/10/2016 16:23

No. no way would I have done that.

UpTownFuck · 16/10/2016 16:24

I wouldn't of given him my bank details either

Leeds2 · 16/10/2016 16:25

No, not at all. And I would not be very impressed at him asking what it was about him that you didn't trust.

If you want to make a donation, I would make a one off donation (rather than a monthly direct debit) using my own wifi etc. Just be aware that once you have donated, and they have your contact details, they will most probably be in touch again and again and again!

JellyBelli · 16/10/2016 16:26

YANBU. I never give my bank details out that way. I ask for a leaflet to donate myself.
he asked what it was about him that I didn't trust Confused
Yeah right, I'd report him. Thats a stupid comment for a genuine charity worker to make.

(Cue massive backlash and snarky comments about logging incidents with the police.)

wheresthel1ght · 16/10/2016 16:26

Nope I would have done the same and probably less politely than you!

I would contact the charity directly and ask them if this is something they are doing so they are aware of it is a scam and can get awareness raised of it on social media etc

Arfarfanarf · 16/10/2016 16:26

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TaterTots · 16/10/2016 16:26

It's his attitude I don't like the sound of. 'What is it about me you don't trust?' sounds rude and defensive. I'd be tempted to check with their office that he's genuine.

Usernameinvalid16 · 16/10/2016 16:27

I always say no when people turn up at my door or stop me in the street asking for donations, i always tell them i will have a look online once i get home/later.

ErrolTheDragon · 16/10/2016 16:27

No. Whether the guy was legit or not, this method of high-pressure doorstep fundraising should be banned. Leave me a leaflet or a card with website so I can make a rational decision whether to add your cause to those I already support - including checking percentage admin costs etc... they never seem to be willing to do that.

CreepyClown · 16/10/2016 16:27

You were right

pipsqueak25 · 16/10/2016 16:27

too many dodgy people out there, you did the right thing imo, i don't do door to door at all.
if i want to support a charity i'll look it up on line, or via the shop.

John4703 · 16/10/2016 16:28

I'm ashamed to admit that when I was a teenager I "worked" for a charity selling football pools door to door. My only pay was commission on what people agreed to pay each week. After two evenings I gave up as it felt so wrong to be taking money from people and half of it coming to me instead of to the charity.
I'd suggest the OP is far better to sign up on line herself and pay direct to the charity so they get the money without any deductions.

WatchingFromTheWings · 16/10/2016 16:28

You are in no way BU! No way in hell would I give my bank details to someone who just knocked on my door. I'm happy to drop a quid or 2 into a charity box but that's it.

I wonder if these people work on commission?? Extra payments for each direct debit set up??

specialsubject · 16/10/2016 16:30

yes - exactly. Chugging is not done for fun!

ErrolTheDragon · 16/10/2016 16:31

I wonder if anyone has done a study on the demographics of people who sign up to this sort of thing.

pipsqueak25 · 16/10/2016 16:31

jelly i did report a couple to 111 as they had no id and were acting weird near my house, a rozzer car was in the area, saw them speaking to the couple who ended up getting in the police car. don't know what happened after that though.

PolarBearLover14 · 16/10/2016 16:34

NEVER EVER give your details to someone at the door.
If people don't take a polite no thanks then I let my dog step forwards and she will growl and bark at them and they jump back.
WELL, I did say no and you are trespassing! Hmm

JellyBelli · 16/10/2016 16:34

pipsqueak25 There are a couple in my area now telling people they have to change their electricity meter - with no tools or van, and no ID!

FlabulousChic · 16/10/2016 16:35

What do you think they can do with the details that are also in cheques? Set up a direct debit that's about it. Which you would see and get reversed.

AyeAmarok · 16/10/2016 16:37

I would NEVER give out my bank account details to someone. No way.

I usually ask for a leaflet so I can do a one-off donation online myself. Then they get huffy Hmm and tell me that "it's not one-off donations we want". Fine. Have nothing then. Cheery-bye.

pipsqueak25 · 16/10/2016 16:40

jelly knock on door - 'need to change your meter' , 'ok, you know my address send me a letter or email about it then we can get it sorted' shut door.

ImperialBlether · 16/10/2016 16:41

But if you gave him a cheque you'd be giving him exactly the same details!

dodobookends · 16/10/2016 16:44

A cheque doesn't have the last three digits of your security code from the back of your card though, which I expect they would have wanted as well. Doesn't have your address on either.

pipsqueak25 · 16/10/2016 16:45

my exh knew A LOT about fraud, and how to use bank details that had been lifted under 'legitimate means' as he was in security, it is very easy to defraud someone with a bit of knowledge, he would be able to do a lot more than just set up a direct debit flab and it would probably be under something you already had going out of your account but his version would be the fake. don't under estimate con artists.

MaxieK · 16/10/2016 16:46

YADNBU. No legitimate charity can expect people to hand out bank details when soliciting donations during a coldcall be that by phone or on the doorstep can they? I'd report this to the air ambulance people. Also, while there are many legitimate funds for police/fire/ambulance benefits, much of the time when the fundraisers approach saying they are from xxx police/fire/ambulance body, they aren't, they are professional fundraising companies licensed to collect by the various bodies who don't always have the time or personnel to call or doorstep donors themselves. Yes, it's legal but these pro companies often keep up to 85% of the money you donate ( to cover admin fees) and pass on only a small percentage to the actual beneficiary. If you want to donate to a body like firemen or ambulances send your cheque directly to them.

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