Banks and personal information.

[Sunlight.]

Ok I saw on the news that a major bank here in Australia (not sure if it was just one bank or several) that they throw away customers personal information in the trash without shredding it. Anyone could of stolen their identity because they weren't shredded, torn up, nothing. They were simply just put in the bin. Now you would think that being a bank, they at least would buy a shredder especially when their customers are at risk off someone stealing their identity and their pretty much against people doing that. The reporters bought a shredded for $50 and gave it to them.
Your thoughts?

[MegaMadness]

I saw this story and I was annoyed. Banks need to take into account and respect the privacy of their clients or they will simply go elsewhere.

I laughed when they brought in the shredder and the clients documents theey found in the bin and demanded that the bank shred them. The bank is pathetic, they claimed they couldn't affrord it. What bullshit. A mutli million dollar company cant afford a $50 paper shredder.

[losing touch.]

i got considerable compensation because they disclosed personal information to my old house-keeper. they told her the name of my solicitor and that x amount of money had been paid into my account that day. i was SO angry at them.

banks piss me off so much. i really want to move, but a) i doubt anywhere else will be much better and b) it's such a hassle. the amount of times i've been on the phone complaining.

[Anthropomorphic]

I know for a fact that my bank instantly shreds documents that they believe to be sensitive. Although the chances are more likely that these documents will be forgotten in the waste management system or recycled into fresh reams of paper, the chance of the papers being discovered, and then promptly used for identity theft certainly exists. I think that banks, insurance companies, and all other companies, bureaus, and businesses that handle sensitive information (bank account numbers, PINs, security codes, passwords, credit card information, debit card information, and - most importantly - social security information) have a responsibility to properly dispose of the documents in a way that can reasonably ensure that the client's information is protected.