Nobody wants their hard-earned money stolen by fraudsters, but all too often, people fall victim to fraud and identity theft.
In this post, we will share some simple ways to protect your bank account from fraud. Whether you are online or offline, we have you covered. So read on and stay safe!
Shred important documents
One simple way to protect your bank account from fraud is to shred important documents before discarding them.
Why? Identity thieves can use personal information like your name and address to create counterfeit checks or apply for credit in your name. By shredding important documents like bank statements, utility bills, and other personal information, you make it much more difficult for identity thieves to steal your identity.
Another way to protect your bank account is to be vigilant about checking your account statement regularly for unauthorized charges. If you see any charges that you do not recognize, report them immediately to your bank.
Do not respond to unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information
One of the most common ways that scammers try to get your personal information is by sending you an unsolicited email or text message.
The message may ask you to click on a link or provide your login credentials. Resist the urge to respond and instead delete the message. Legitimate organizations will never ask you for this type of information via email or text message.
If you are not sure whether an email is legitimate, call the company directly to ask. Do not use any contact information provided in the email, as this may be fake.
Review your statements and transactions regularly
Checking your account statements and transactions regularly is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself from fraud.
If you see anything that looks suspicious, such as a charge you do not recognize or a withdrawal you did not make, report it to your bank immediately. This will help them investigate and hopefully catch the fraudster before they do any more damage.
Being proactive about your account security is the best way to protect yourself from fraud, so make sure to review your statements regularly and keep an eye out for anything that seems out of the ordinary.
Enroll in text or email alerts
An easy way to protect your bank account is to enroll in text or email alerts. This way, you will be notified immediately if there are any suspicious or unauthorized transactions on your account.
Notifications can be sent to your phone or email, so you can choose the option that is most convenient for you. And the best part? There are no charges from the Bank! So, there is no reason not to sign up. (Data charges from your wireless carrier may apply.)
You can enroll in alerts via our Sync Digital Banking tools or simply by visiting your nearest Bank Independent sales office. One of our team members will be happy to help you get set up.
Sign up for fraud monitoring
You can also sign up for fraud monitoring. This service will notify you if any suspicious activity is detected on your account, so you can act right away.
Fraud monitoring is a terrific way to stay on top of your finances and protect your hard-earned money. It is also a good idea to keep an eye on your account statements and check your credit report regularly to make sure there are no fraudulent charges.
If you ever think you may have been a victim of fraud, do not hesitate to call or chat with our Customer Service team. We are here to help, and we want to make sure your bank account is as safe as possible.
Report suspicious activity immediately
If you ever notice any unusual or unauthorized transactions on your bank account, it is important to report them as soon as possible. This way, you can minimize the damage that can be done and minimize your chances of becoming a victim of fraud.
Do not wait- if something does not seem right, report it right away! Your bank will be grateful for your diligence in protecting your account.
Bank Independent is committed to protecting your bank account from fraud. We have a number of ways to protect your account, including online and mobile banking, alerts, and more. To learn more about how to protect your bank account, visit our website or call or chat with one of our Customer Service representatives. Thank you for trusting Bank Independent!
