A quote from the above: Modern banking methods mean we can now perform a variety of tasks on our phones in a matter of seconds, and almost anywhere,” said Dame Meg.
“What this incident brings into focus is the fact that there is a trade-off.”
She said interacting with banks online more means consumers “place our faith
in technology which can suffer unpredictable errors” – adding it was important this was made clear to customers.
I take particular exception to the description ‘unpredictable errors’. These errors are predictable, and are the result of sloppy design and implementation of the facilities provided. As such, the bank should be prosecuted for their illegal display of private information to those other than the rightful person.
Instead a sloppy wringing of hands, and piddling amounts of ‘goodwill payments’ are trotted out. Put this alongside all of the branch closures and what are customers left with? If Nationwide is any example for online help,the banking systems is making a rapid descent into complete chaos.
It is impossible to ‘chat’ with a real person. Instead a ‘bot’ is thrust at you, and is about as capable of dealing with your problem as a wooden puppet. Where I was dragged up, a ‘bot’ is another name for an arse – rather apt I thought, capable of one task only, that of expelling excrement.
There is one common factor driving this nonsense – money. Let’s see how many tasks we can derogate to save cash. How many folks we can get rid of. Skip testing our systems, let the users find the faults for us.
The Treasury Select Committee need some informed members on it, or consultants that know what is taking place. Philosophy, Politics and Economics, plus a spat as a journalist does not qualify a person to make remarks on the effects of sloppy software design and implementation.
Having said that, I agree that customers should be warned about what they are using. Can I suggest ‘This Application May Seriously Damage Your Confidence In Online Banking.‘ I had in mind a more pithy quote, but will leave that for another day.
joesportugal 