Cashcards Etc

[taichiperson]

To cut a long story short, my mother who lives on her own is occasionally duped by phone scammers. I have managed to get her onto BT's call and protect which hopefully will stop some of the calls. I am in the process of getting lasting Power of Attorney but as a short term measure I have taken her debit card away so she can't give her details over the phone. She is not entirely happy with the situation, but it is practical as the only time she uses it is when she's out with me or my husband - if she wants to buy anything from a catalogue she can use a cheque, and I make sure she has enough cash for anything else.

My question is this - is there any card she could use that would only be accepted for face to face or cash terminal transactions? Is there any way of putting a limit on how much goes out of her account with the card, or any other useful limitations on debit cards? She banks with Lloyds.

[mikey4444]

When you have that Power of Attorney, you will be able
discuss all the options with her Bank. Get the solicitor moving as fast as you can, would be my best advice.

[naomi24]

I read somewhere that banks issue special cards for young people that can't be used over the phone. I can't remember the details but it would be worth having a word with her bank.

[Tilly2]

You could open an account with another bank and get a debit card for that account. Then, you could make sure that there is only a limited amount of money in that account. Your Mum could use that as and when but her main account will still be safe.

I have a card which I use for online purchases. I top it up when needed. I never use my main account card either on the phone or online.

[hc4361]

TSB provides an ATM only card

[bhg481]

If you obliterate the 3-digit security code on the back of her debit card it can't be used for telephone/internet transactions, so it will be safe to give it back to her.

[taichiperson]

Thanks Mikey - I see the solicitor next week, but I'm told it will take a few weeks after that, so I need a stopgap without upsetting her.

Thanks also for the idea of opening another account, I may do that.

As to talking to the bank, I need her permission to do so - which is not a problem as such, I just want to keep things simple and not upset her.

[naomi24]

//As to talking to the bank, I need her permission to do so //

Sorry, I didn't make myself clear. I meant just ask the bank if they issue such a card. Anyone can do that.

[taichiperson]

Thanks Naomi :)

Have also taken on board the idea of removing the security number, thanks.

[taichiperson]

NB cashcard is not an option, as she still needs to buy stuff from the supermarket etc.

[woofgang]

Does she realise that once you have the LPA she will find it very difficult to stop you doing things like removing her debit card? I know you don't want to hurt her or upset her, but well....if she is not happy with it now...does she understand what she has signed?

[taichiperson]

Woofgang, I have dragged my feet over the LPA and often discussed it with her. She's more than happy for me to take over things for her, as when Dad was around he saw to everything. I've talked to her this morning and she's OK with me having the card right now. I also talked to my other half, who dealt with people with learning difficulties before he retired. He thinks that it will probably be liberating for her not to worry about financial matters and just leave everything to us. We've reached the point where it would be best for her and she still understands the implications - I can;t leave it any longer.

[taichiperson]

PS Tilly - as to having another account, she could still be duped into setting up direct debits, or even one off payments.

[Tilly2]

She could yes, TCP but if the account had, for example, only £50.00 in it at any one time, then she will be limited.

[woofgang]

I appreciate that you can't and shouldn't. I hope the road won't be too rocky for you and your mother.

[Jennykenny]

What about those cards that people load up with money when they go on holiday?? I think they are called Prepaid Travel Cards. See Martin Lewis for the best ones.
Just load it with, for example, £100.00 and if the worst happens, that’s all that has been lost.