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Protecting personal bank account information is crucial. Even though personal bank account information by itself may not harm you, it will be easy enough for anyone to get additional information using basic common sense and be able to steal your identity and possibly access your bank account. You can safeguard your bank account information by taking a few basic precautions:
Never Disclose Your Bank Account Information Over The Telephone Or Internet
Regardless of how trustworthy the other party may be on the telephone or email, a bank will never require your bank account information over the phone. This type of information gathering fraudulent activity is known as ‘Phishing.’ Phishing has become more innovative and prevolent as scammers try to get you to divulge your bank information through email or unsolicited phone calls. They pretending to be part of the company that you may trust. Encourage your children to never divulge any financial information to third parties that may call your residence because children are common prey to phishing tactics.
Password Protect Information on Your Computer
A lot of individuals tend to keep sensitive information such as account numbers, pin codes and passwords in files on computers and cell phones. However, cell phone and computers can be stolen. Try to password protect the files where you store this data so that even if a thief manages to steal the computer or cell phone, your personal information is safe. A good rule of thumb is to store your passwords in a secret or "hidden" file. Also, never call your file "passwords" so they are not noticeable to thieves. Lastly, many people a decoder for their important password protections.
Use Many Different Passwords to Secure Information
A lot of people tend to keep the same password for a lot of different accounts since it is convenient and easy to remember. However, a common way for fraudsters to get your bank account information is through get passwords to your social networking site or your email account where you may have stored bank account information. You can avoid this by having separate passwords for each account. Try using different passwords for your banking needs, make the codes differ completely from your personal account.
Do Not Leave Your Checkbook Lying Around
Checkbooks and deposit slips have your bank’s routing information and the checking account information. Anyone who is able to access your checkbook has instant access to this information. Avoid leaving your checkbook on your work desk. If you need to keep it with you at work, try to leave it under lock and key in a secure place, or keep it in your purse or pocket at all times.
Dispose of Your Bank Statements & Financial Documents Properly
Identity thieves are well known to go through the trash of unsuspecting people who do not properly dispose their bank statements. The bank statement has not only your account number, but also your mailing address, which are two very important pieces of the puzzle for identity theft. Make sure you invest in a shredder and shred all financial statements before throwing them away. Additionally, your credit card statements and other financial information should be shred.
How to Protect Your Personal Bank Account
