Money transfer banking in the UK help?

Clive

No, they cannot take your funds because your routing number and account number (here in the UK that would be sort code and account number) aren't enough to take money out. The bank wants more proof that you are you than just knowing those numbers - a signature at least, as on checks (which we call cheques). It's enough for paying in, but not enough for getting money out. For example, when I get a bill for anything, it will have a bank giro credit slip at the bottom. That includes the company's sort code and account number. One way I can pay the bill is to take that to the bank with my money and hand it over. I used to do that in the days before online banking after a cheque got lost in the post - that made sure it couldn't happen again, and if I take the whole bill, the bank will stamp it so I've got a receipt. Never had any trouble again! Similarly, if I want to pay someone online, I need to know those two numbers. I know my mother's sort code and account number so I can do this. (She doesn't feel safe with online banking as she's an old lady now and still feels happier writing a cheque if she wants to give me money!) Now consider checks. Anyone you write a check to will know your routing number and account number because they're printed on the check! How else does the bank it is paid into know which account at your bank it should ask for the money to be taken from? The entire system just can't work unless we share these numbers! So you're perfectly safe as long as that's ALL the information you give them.

Tavy

No they cannot take your funds. If you are worried talk to your bank.