How to Protect Your Bank Account Numbers Online
Online banking is a very convenient way to take care of day-to-day banking chores. Many traditional banks allow you to log into your account through the Internet with a secure web browser, and through your mobile phone with specially programmed applications. Having your bank account available online or while you're mobile allows you to see what your account balances are at any given time, see which deposits or payments have cleared, and send money to family or for bill payments immediately. The growth of online banking has created more opportunity for thieves unfortunately, and using these convenient banking tools requires you to be vigilant in protecting sensitive information, such as your bank account numbers.
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Instructions
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Log into online bank accounts directly by typing the address manually into your web browser. Never visit your bank by clicking a link in email, because email links can be masked to look like something they are not. A common way for thieves to try and steal bank account information is through "phishing." They send an email claiming to be from your bank and telling you to click a link in the email to log in. The email may claim that you've had a problem with a transaction or that there has been a security breach and they need you to verify account information. If you click the link you may be directed to an illegal site that is designed to look like your bank. By entering your account number or other login details, the thieves then have all of your account information.
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Cover your password and PIN physically each time you enter them. Whether you're using a physical ATM or you're logging into your bank account on a mobile phone or Internet web browser, make sure no one else can see what you're typing or what's on your screen.
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Log into your bank accounts from your own computer and Internet connection only. According to MSN Money, public computers and wireless Internet access points are less secure. If you use wireless Internet at home or in your office, make sure it is set up to be secure so that no neighbors can log on or view traffic from your network.
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Create password hints that only you can know, and make sure you do not use the information for those hints anywhere else. Your maiden name and the high school you graduated from is often known by a large number of friends and acquaintances on social networking sites, such as Facebook, so don't use those as your secret questions or hints for your online bank account. Instead select secret questions and answers that no one else knows, and if need be make up fake answers that only you can understand.
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Look over your bank account statements at least once each month. If you have Internet banking, check the transactions and balances frequently. The Federal Reserve Board recommends you make sure every transaction--checks, debits, automated payments and any other withdrawals--are all authorized by you. Report any unauthorized or suspicious transactions to your bank immediately.
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References
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