Up to 42,000 St George Bank customers have had their purchase details compromised after receiving printed statements containing other people's transaction histories and account numbers.
Customers are worried about their account privacy after a "production issue" that St George blames on an external printing company caused customers to receive the mismatched information in the post.
The bank said the statements are limited to those for the period ending February 26, 2010.
“They (St George) didn't seem to appreciate that if I had received someone else's details, then my main concern was that someone else could have received my details,” said one Killara, NSW-based customer. “I asked for some reassurance in writing but was told that this would not be forthcoming.”
BusinessDay understands that up to 42,000 customers may have been affected.
"Account details have not been compromised and account balances, data and transactions have not been impacted," a spokeswoman for the bank said.
Have you been affected? E-mail Chris Zappone
"Customers can still access their correct account details via ATMs, phone, online or at St.George Bank branches."
"Once the investigation is complete, we will work with our external supplier to ensure that this issue does not occur again," the bank said.
Westpac-owned St George, which passed along the Reserve Bank's interest rate rise within hours of the decision yesterday, apologised for the inconvenience and said it was notifying all customers who had been sent the botched statements.
Sydney-based Sarah Smith said she was alarmed when her daughter's name and address appeared above incorrect account details and totals.
"Essentially I have been given the account number of someone else and all their banking transaction details for the month," she said. "My concern is that my daughter's account number and bank transactions have been given to someone else."
A St George representative told her no one would be able to withdraw money without the corresponding BSB and account numbers.
"I hate to think how widespread this is and how quickly this problem will be fixed," Ms Smith said.
"The person I spoke to said that even she will be checking her bank details for the moment daily while this is happening."
St George is advising customers to contact the bank on 13 33 30 for more information.
czappone@fairfax.com.au
BusinessDay
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