Aussie banks - 21st century???

[lil4399]

To our Aussie friends

I have had dealings with the Commonwealth Bank in Taz recently, and, well, I am not sure they have actually embraced the 21st century.

Our Aunty had a house in Taz and a house in Scotland, living 6 months in each to avoid experiencing a Winter. Uncle died in December 2016 so Aunty decided to sell up in Taz and live permanently in Scotland.

Fast forward to December 2017, wife and Aunt go to Taz to arrange house sale. Sale sorted but completion date one week after they return to Europe, so International "Online" Banking sorted at the bank before they left.

Now, depending on where you live in the world, "Online" has different meanings. I tried to assist Auntie with her banking "online".

Firstly, all attempts came back "you need to set up a mobile number", unfortunately,  they did not tell them this when they set up the "online" account, no problems, it says online "phone this number to set up a mobile number on your account" so, 16, yes, bloody 16 phone calls of 15 mins each at peak French rate, we finally get an answer, and guess what? To bank "online" with the Commonwealth Bank, you need:





A fax machine.

I kid you not, a FAX machine. Last seen in the 21st century in a museum, they expect an 89 year old to go on a search for somewhere with a FAX machine, so she can bank "online"

Is it me?

[Andre]

@lil4399  It is you

Maybe it is the country where you currently live, doubt that.

Fax machines are used all over the place. Many businesses use them for sure. You can buy them. There are stores from where you can send faxes (as well as copy, print from various devices such as sd-cards, sticks).

And here comes the modern stuff. There is fax software for computer, smartphone, and "router". Faxing from the cloud.
And it is even available for free. Search google: fax software or fax app

VoIP technology has not made fax obsolete, just a bit more "complex". Watch your step.

There are call plans, call cards, call shops to make calling far away "affordable". Might want to look into that and use until business down under is done.

[VladTepes]

I agree with lil4399 .  It's stupid.

[Sweaty]

I have a fax in my office at home which i still use, but think that is a bloody ridiculous rule these day's. 
Obviously just an overseas requirement as you definitely don't need to have one in NSW

[Andre]

I agree with lil4399 .  It's stupid.

16 calls! Something can't be right there. Maybe just want to ensure to keep the money as long as possible

[KiwiCol]

Didn't windows used to have a fax as part of their software?  You know, built in to the system?  Is that feature no longer there?  Well, who'd use it with emails, video calls, txts & skype these days. 
They're (the bank) just making it more difficult than it has to be.

[Andre]

Well, who'd use it with emails, video calls, txts & skype these days.

I'd agree with using the software fax to send. For receiving faxes it is ok.

A normal fax machine is very efficient when having to send copies of paper documents. You save the time and hassle to scan them in first before you can send them by e-mail (or software fax). And you get a printed receipt. Both things are important for business, governments.

No e-mail attachments accepted here at city hall for security reasons. Either snail-mail, hand it in personally , or by fax.

[KiwiCol]

Refer City Hall to post 3 above.

[grog]

last 20 yrs ive used online bank. no buildings here, there is one in melbourne, never a phone call, never met anyone personally. have borrowed lots, paid back lots. all thru computer or phone. still have 2 accounts with them. have never had a problem, just works. atm to get money out, post office to pay in cash. rest online. my last bank was same as post is about, they stuffed me around, see ya. was a scary move in 1997, wife was dubious, so was i. perfect result. no faxes needed.

[Mick_J]

Still a lot of firms use fax here in the UK for legal documents as they want to see exact replica of the original document.

[lil4399]

I should have stated that they will not accept Efax, only traditional, also they want a photocopy of passport and CB card. Here is the humour: it must be a photocopy not a scan- how can they tell once it is faxed.

Struggling to find somewhere in Stirling (Scotland) for public use.

i have used Internet banking for the last decade and have never been asked to fax anything.

[VladTepes]

Hmm given that photocopiers work by SCANNING then printing...     

[lil4399]

Further update, my poor aunty has wandered Sterling (Scotland) poor bugger is 89 years old. Libraries, travel agents, etc all to no avail.

Do any of our Scottish members know where she might find a fax? 

[froudy]

@lil4399

That is a crazy crazy situation..I hope she gets it sorted out

[ARH]

Further update, my poor aunty has wandered Sterling (Scotland) poor bugger is 89 years old. Libraries, travel agents, etc all to no avail.

Do any of our Scottish members know where she might find a fax? 

Lil...there's a high probability she might find one in a solicitors office.... hope that helps!