On Fri, Jul 29, 2005 at 03:20:50PM +0100, Ted Harding wrote:
I suppose a similar question arises when someone knows your bank's sort code and your account number (as when you authorise a direct debit or standing order). Though I suppose, in that case, there's a piece of paper signed by you which ends up at your bank. But would it be possible in the absence of a signed authorisation?
It is actually possible to do paperless direct debit, but only if your bank is really sure they decide they can trust you.
Having had to sign the forms associated with doing paper direct debits I think it's a pretty safe form of payment; there are lots of provisions in place for pulling back money if there are dodgy transactions going on. I believe this isn't the case in America however.
Likewise I'm quite comfortable with using a credit card after experience from the merchant side of things; most banks will claw back money on the say so of the customer with no chance for the merchant to refute any dispute.
J.