Forum: Excerpts from readers’ letters

Banks can be more vigilant

I was alarmed to read about how a couple had their identities stolen (Identity thieves block couple’s bank accounts, cancel credit cards, leaving them strapped for cash in Japan, Dec 9).

What is even more alarming was how the thief was able to pass the banks’ verification process to proceed with the transactions. One would think that red flags would have been raised when the thief succeeded with the verification process after a few tries.

Perhaps as an added layer of security, banks should always call the customer at his registered mobile phone to ensure it is the correct person at the other end of the line. This incident could have been easily avoided with a bit more vigilance on the part of the banks.

Randy Lee Tong Teck

Simpler forms for rights issues

I received an invitation to subscribe for a rights issue. The application form contained instructions and terms with thousands of words in fine print. I suspect few subscribers would read this through.

If the terms are similar in most applications, the Singapore Exchange should have a standard list of instructions and terms, and require that only special or extraordinary ones be highlighted to make it less onerous for investors to submit an application.

Wong Chin Kheng

Buses moving too slowly

I find bus rides, especially in the mornings, very frustrating. The drivers drive slowly, even when the traffic lights are green, hoping for a change to red for them to stop.

They loiter at bus bays even after the passengers have alighted and then crawl to the next bus stop. I suspect this is because they need to keep to a schedule.

It’s time to work out the minimum speed needed to complete a journey in a reasonable time. This will prevent intentional slow driving and alleviate commuters’ morning frustration, especially those rushing to work. 

Mahendran Kandasamy