Intrusive assault on bank customers

We read and hear a lot about timeshare touts being a nuisance on the promenades in Malta but what about the bigger nuisance which occurs every time you visit a bank? Nowadays you cannot make a simple transaction without being assaulted by the cashier with questions regarding personal details about your finances.

The object of asking for identification should relate to security and ensuring that the client can be traced should the need arise.

Unfortunately, as soon as the ID number is keyed into the computer, the clerk has full view of your personal financial situation in relation to that bank. The next step for him is to evaluate whether you can potentially make more money for the bank.

If you are of no real interest you will not be bothered.

But if you have any funds held in a simple savings or fixed account or even more so should you usually bank with the competition, then you are in for a nasty string of assaults.

The cashier or clerk will pester you to make an appointment with a counsellor or personal wealth manager with promises to make better use of your money. You will receive countless phone calls and approaches until you feel that you must give in. Sooner or later you poor fool will meet the manager just out of embarrassment or sheer curiosity and presto...

The next thing you know is that you have just given clearance to reinvest your hard-earned savings wherever he sees fit and more importantly where it will be of maximum advantage to the bank which employs him.

Classically this is a rude invasion of one's privacy, an impertinent intrusion into one's affairs and an abomination through and through.

Data protection all gone amok!