Asked my local bank to send me 3 months worth of statments only, as I didn't want a load of paper wasted for something I didn't need. Was very specific in only asking for 3 specific months, which should have been 6 pages.

Instead I received a large unsealed brown envelope with RBS Logo etc, with 4 years of statements held closed with 2 elastic bands , the type my postman normally uses on my mail. On checking the envelope it had never been sealed, the glue seals inside the top of envelope were intact ie unused.

So they've effectively allowed everyone who has handled this envelope to see 4 years of my banking detail and my account number:mad:. No wonder the postman was 2 hours later with my mail than normal, he was probably sat in the village pub with a pint and my statements having a debate with the regulars on my overspending.

Hi, time for a complaint to the information commissioners office:

Information Commissioner's Office - ICO

Thanks enron, the lady at the Information Commissioners Office didn't seem to think I had much of a complaint,it was just a bank shipping error, the PO staff knew not to read my mail, and it wasn't relevant to electronic information????

So called Consumer Direct who redirected me to FOS, who have actually given me a complaint reference number, whatever that will achieve I have no idea. I wanted them rapped on the knuckles and made to either update their procedures or train their staff properly. FOS say they can't do that it's another financial body who do that.

Can easily see how big instituitions can get away with doing whatever they like when they like. Because it's too hard to find out who to complain to, most of us just give up.

Make the complaint to the IC anyway. Insist that it is dealt with. Make sure that it goes on record. Even if the data hasn't been accessed by a third party, it still a breach of the DPA

Can anyone advise on this, as I'm gobsmacked.

Received a call from bank regarding fact they have now recieved letter from Financial Ombudsman about above. Still investigating I'm told, but the advsior said this was a serious error on the bank's behalf. However I have been asked what I would consider to be suitable financial compensation for their mistake??Does anyone have any ideas, as I've not got a clue??.

Seeking compensation was put in the FOS letter, mainly because the FOS said that it was the 'loss' side of complaints they dealt with,, and it was the only way the bank would pay any attention to it. I was expecting the usual grudged apology.

Also some of my bank statements are missing from the large bundle. They could be anywhere between, lying on the side of a road somewhere or waiting to be actioned later in a fraudsters filing system for all I know. I don't know what info is on the missing statements but they probably have my other account numbers, incluidng my mortgage account number on them due to account transfer payments I've made..

I'm told that my name, address, account numbers, bank addres etc is insufficient information for someone to commit identity theft. Is that correct, as it makes me wonder why we're told not to throw statements in the bin but shred them?.

Thought I'd check on here, as I trust the advice I receive here, altho the bank person I spoke to seemed honest and pleasant.

Have also made complaint to Information Commissionsers office, still waiting on reply from them.

Any advice greatly appreciated

Think I would be inclined to tell them to put an offer to me in writing.

Regarding Identity theft you should remind them that it is their carelessness with your statements that has led to your personal details being compromised and the very real possibility of Identity theft should reflect their offer.