01 July 2008
It has been revealed that one of the UK's largest banks is sending debit cards to children without requiring their parents' consent.
The news emerged after a father reportedly complained to Lloyds TSB when his his 15-year-old son used a card to buy cheap cigarettes, Viagra and a fake adult ID online.
The bank mails the cards directly to children as young as 11, enabling them to purchase goods on the internet without an adult's knowledge.
It insists it is up to parents to keep a check on how children use the cards and says there are safeguards to ensure they cannot be used on adult websites.
In the past, children aged between 11 and 15 who hold current accounts were restricted to cards which could be used only in cash machines or at bank branches. But the new cards are Visa-enabled, meaning they can be used anywhere that displays a Visa sign.
On its website, the bank openly advertises the fact that the card can be used for internet purchases. It says: "Your new Visa debit card gives you a quick and easy way to get hold of your money.
"You can use it to pay for things in shop and online. You can also use it to take out cash. As long as you have enough money, you can take out up to £300 a day."
Lloyds TSB claimed it was simply falling into line with its rivals.
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