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Original poster

I have been a real idiot

52 replies

Mojolostforever · 24/11/2023 21:36

I have a little gadget that I need to access my online banking. Today it failed, the battery was dead, so I took it to the bank.

The bank clerk said she would reactive it for me and she took it away.

But instead of reactivating my original gadget she brought me a new one.

But, the pin number I use on the gadget, to access my account, was written on the back.

At the moment I can't change the pin number because the bank is having a problem with online banking (HSBC) so I am stuck. Any ideas? ( Apart from telling me I'm an idiot, which I already know).

OP posts:
maximist · 24/11/2023 22:18

Unless she's managed to clone your card as well, your pin will be completely useless to her....

StoneTheCrone · 24/11/2023 22:18

HSBC has been back up since lunchtime - I logged in to check my salary had gone in.

You dont need the dongle to use the app. Just download the app to your phone and use that.

KateyCuckoo · 24/11/2023 22:26

StoneTheCrone · 24/11/2023 22:18

HSBC has been back up since lunchtime - I logged in to check my salary had gone in.

You dont need the dongle to use the app. Just download the app to your phone and use that.

It's still down for me.

NoTango · 24/11/2023 22:29

KateyCuckoo · 24/11/2023 22:13

OK well same thing, upu don't need them anymore and haven't for a long time.

Show quote history

I opened a Nationwide account a month ago and they sent me a card reader for online banking

Sureaseggs44 · 24/11/2023 22:31

You can’t always do everything on the app. I would not worry as you should be able to change your pin on line .

sushiburger · 24/11/2023 22:32

They'd need your user name and password.

If you have a smart phone their app is working again now

Newdoggo · 24/11/2023 22:43

It's a PSK, you should need a memorable question and generated code to log on, definitely move to a DSK instead if you can, you may need to call them to remove the new PSK and switch across but if it hasn't been activated you should be able to just log onto the App and set up a DSK, there shouldn't be any security risk

tiredandolderthanithought · 24/11/2023 22:44

@KateyCuckoo I need one! I have a Barclays charity account and I cannot get into it with my Barclays account as they aren't linked so I have had to go back to my card reader again!

larkstar · 24/11/2023 23:04

Some of the banking apps I use have the PINSENTRY type of device (Barclays I think) built into the software so you don't need the physical device - you look for it in the app.

whyamiawakestill · 24/11/2023 23:13

I ended up closing my entire HSBC account as I got completely locked out.. 20+ years of business banking and the PIN code just kept going around in loops.

BadBadDecisions · 24/11/2023 23:15

I don't get it, why are you assuming a bank employee would try to access your account and steal your money?

JPMJuliz · 24/11/2023 23:16

It’s called bank fob.

sgvibes · 24/11/2023 23:28

StoneTheCrone · 24/11/2023 22:18

HSBC has been back up since lunchtime - I logged in to check my salary had gone in.

You dont need the dongle to use the app. Just download the app to your phone and use that.

It isn't. They've been tweeting hourly saying still having persistent intermittent problems,you must've tried during two minutes it happened to be working!

Hibiscrubbed · 24/11/2023 23:33

Mojolostforever · 24/11/2023 22:07

Yes I have a password as well as the one time passcode on the gadget.

You are right, I won't be writing the code on the back again!!

(Because the code was written on the back, we always hide the gadget if we have visitors.

I never thought I'd be stupid enough to hand it over to someone, even if it was to a bank staff member).

Show quote history

(Because the code was written on the back, we always hide the gadget if we have visitors.

Fuck sake. 😂

BlueEyedPeanut · 24/11/2023 23:36

Why did you do that? 🤦🏻‍♀️ Do you keep your card PIN in your purse and your online passwords on a posted note stuck to the computer too?

Original poster
Mojolostforever · 25/11/2023 01:51

BlueEyedPeanut · 24/11/2023 23:36

Why did you do that? 🤦🏻‍♀️ Do you keep your card PIN in your purse and your online passwords on a posted note stuck to the computer too?

No of course not. I don't have a great memory, I 'm a pensioner and I have trouble remembering things.
I did say that I didn't need anyone telling me it was stupid. I know that already. Thanks for making me feel a lot worse.

OP posts:
Rubytoos · 25/11/2023 08:44

First, the fob is linked to your username, so unless they know your login credentials, username and password, the security fob is useless.

second, I used these hsbc fobs all the time at work. They are sealed units, so you can’t replace the battery. Once they’re dead they’re dead.

but yes, get the app working so using a device becomes unnecessary.

roses2 · 25/11/2023 08:46

I used a physical fob last week with Nationwide - they still require it when setting up a new payee in addition to sms passcode.

Malbab · 25/11/2023 13:55

I usI this exact thing for it hsbsc online account log in ma while ago they removed the requirement for password , so now it is only username and the number generating from the fob
are you sure u still putting password ? Anyway I am sure the hsbc staff will destroy it , it wasn’t working anyway so not useable
also I think those fobs are linked to ur account , I mean u can’t use someone else’s fob right as it is unique and if u got a new one the old one would have been deactivated ??
but for peace of mind download the app and log in and move your Monies to another account if u are so worried

Malbab · 25/11/2023 13:57

Nowadays I use building society to keep my savings and specifically ask for no online access I have a passbook that I take to the bank to put entry like the 1980s 😅 because I am paranoid about online scam!

SkaneTos · 26/11/2023 18:41

Hello OP, I can understand your worry about the situation.
I hope everything worked out for you.

JPMJuliz · 28/11/2023 13:12

Rubytoos · 25/11/2023 08:44

First, the fob is linked to your username, so unless they know your login credentials, username and password, the security fob is useless.

second, I used these hsbc fobs all the time at work. They are sealed units, so you can’t replace the battery. Once they’re dead they’re dead.

but yes, get the app working so using a device becomes unnecessary.

Exactyl this, OP!

LIZS · 28/11/2023 13:23

Can you not change your pin at a cash machine?

idontlikealdi · 28/11/2023 13:29

I have a card reader with nationwide, don't need it for the app but do if want to log in in my laptop

Croissantsandpistachio · 18/12/2023 20:06

Yes just go to a cash machine and change it.

I still need a widget for my bank! Can do most things on the app but need it for a new payee. It's really annoying.