The Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) has today announced that all five retail banks now have dedicated freephone phonelines to assist cocooning customers during the Covid-19 crisis.
The dedicated phonelines, along with advice on how best to conduct day-to-day banking if you are required to stay at home are included in a special Covid-19 Information Guide being launched by the BPFI today.
The guide gives essential banking advice for those cocooning which includes details on:
Over the phone and online banking options
Making payments over the phone
Calling your bank and getting help with your banking and
Tips for keeping your money safe.
The main retail banks taking part are:
AIB 1800 207232
Bank of Ireland 1800 946146
KBC 1800 804472
Permanent TSB 1800 218000
Ulster Bank 1800 656001
The guide includes advice for those not in a position to use online and phone banking or card payments.
All retail banks have put in place the possibility for such customers to get help accessing their cash.There are very strict protocols in place around this facility to ensure the potential for financial abuse is minimised and that it allows customers keep control of their money.
The guide also outlines a number of tips around how customers can keep their money safe. This includes advice such as avoiding keeping large sums of cash at home and making and paying for orders such as medicines with a card over the phone where possible.
If a customer is worried about the management of their money they should call their bank via the dedicated phonelines. The Banking and Payments Federation will be working with Safeguarding Ireland and ALONE, the organisation that supports older people, in the coming weeks to share awareness of issues that may arise for vulnerable customers.
The BPFI is calling on all those working in the community to share the information leaflet.
A copy of the leaflet is available on the BPFI’s website www.safeguardyourmoney.ie