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QueenofVenus · 15/11/2007 13:18 ???? i think someone has and now im a bit worried. Please or to access all these features Please or to access all these features Please or to access all these features Please or to access all these features Please or to access all these features Please or to access all these features Please or to access all these features Please or to access all these features Please or to access all these features Please or to access all these features Please or to access all these features Please or to access all these features Please or to access all these features Please or to access all these features Please or to access all these features Please or to access all these features Please create an account To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account. Active Watching Home Search Can Scammers Access Your Banking With Just Your Account Number?Peter Dolce’s nightmare started with a fraud alert for a suspicious $254 purchase. While the alert sent his heart racing, it was only after combing through past account statements that he realized it was just the tip of the iceberg [*]. Over the past year, scammers had siphoned out more than $13,000 from the veteran’s bank account without his knowledge. Even worse, Chase Bank said he’d waited too long to report the fraud and wouldn’t reimburse him. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), there were over 124,000 reports of bank fraud in 2021 [*]. For many victims, all it takes to get scammed is their bank account number and a few other pieces of sensitive information falling into the wrong hands. The problem is that most of us use our bank account numbers on a regular basis — whether signing up for direct deposit for a job or paying for items online with a debit card number. So, what can scammers do with your bank account number? And what can you do to keep it — and your money — safe? Here’s what you need to know. How Do Scammers Steal Your Bank Account Numbers?There’s not much illegal activity that crooks can pursue with just your bank account number (compared to if they steal your credit card numbers). But that doesn’t mean bank account numbers aren’t valuable data. A bank account number is often the linchpin for many other scams, which can be more dangerous. If fraudsters can combine your bank details and other easy-to-find information — such as your ABA or routing number, checking account number, address, or name — they can easily begin to steal money from your account. Here’s how scammers can steal your bank account numbers in the first place:
💡 Related: 2022 Bank Scams To Watch Out For → Who is it safe to give your bank account numbers to?Your bank account numbers should be kept private as much as possible. But that doesn’t mean they can never be shared. There are some legitimate situations in which someone will require your banking details. In most cases, it’s safe to share your bank account number with:
The bottom line: Only share your bank account details with people or companies you know and trust. If you have any suspicions, look for a safer alternative. What Can Someone Do with Your Bank Account Number? 7 Real Risks
Take a look at these seven real risks that could have devastating ramifications if your bank account gets compromised. 1. Commit ACH fraud and withdraw your moneyACH transfers use a financial network called the Automated Clearing House to transfer money from one bank account to another. But if scammers gain access to your bank account number, they can use it for fraudulent ACH transfers or payments. For example, scammers could use your bank account details to buy products online. Or worse, they could trick you into sending them money that you’ll never be able to get back. When the Fisher family was in the process of closing on a $1.4 million home, they were targeted by hackers who inserted themselves into an email conversation between the Fishers and their real estate agent [*]. The hackers changed the account details where the Fishers were supposed to send their downpayment — and disappeared with their cash. How ACH Fraud happens
Don’t get scammed! Look out for these warning signs:ACH fraud is often easy to spot if you’re checking your accounts regularly. Look for unusual (or lower than expected) values in your checking and savings accounts as well as unexpected transfers or withdrawals. Be especially cautious if you see multiple small withdrawals or transfers, as scammers often do this to avoid fraud detection tools. Pro tip: Sign up for Aura (free for your first 14 days). Aura monitors your bank, credit, and investment accounts for suspicious activity, and will alert you up to 4x faster than the competition. Source: Aura credit monitoring and suspicious transaction alerts2. Use your bank details for online shoppingIf scammers have your bank details, they can use them to make purchases on many online shopping sites. In one example, a 33-year-old was scammed while buying a $2,600 Rolex on an online marketplace. The fraudster created a fake listing and then stole both the victim’s cash and their bank account details [*]. How scammers use your bank details for online shopping
Don’t get scammed! Look out for these warning signs:First, beware of scam websites designed to steal your banking information. Common signs of a fake shopping website include:
The bottom line: Steer clear of scammers who ask you to make any online purchases via money orders, wire transfers, or preloaded money cards. 3. Launder money through your bank accountMost people think of money laundering as a means to conceal the origins of money obtained illegally. But many people don’t realize that they can become accidental money mules if a scammer uses their bank account to launder money. One major example this year has been phony remote work opportunities [*]. Scammers post fake job opportunities and request your payment details during the interview process. Then, they send you fraudulent checks and ask you to deposit them into your account and send some of the money back. But when the check bounces, the full amount comes out of your account. How scammers use your bank account to launder money
Don’t get scammed! Look out for these warning signs:If a job posting seems too good to be true, it’s probably a scam. Beware of remote jobs that offer huge payments for seemingly menial tasks — such as being a mystery shopper, adding decals to your car, or becoming a personal assistant (with little-to-no training). If anyone sends you a check for more than the amount you were supposed to get, don’t cash it or send funds “back” to another account. This is a classic refund scam. 💡 Related: How To Identify Fake Job Scams → 4. Create and use fraudulent checksIf scammers have enough pieces of information about you, they can create fake checks or even trick your bank into sending them paper checks for your account. Then, they can either write checks to themselves or use them for refund scams — in which they ask victims to deposit fake checks and send back some of the money. But when the check bounces, the victim’s account is withdrawn for the full amount. If someone asks you to send back money from a check, it's a scam. Source: FTCIn one example, a Memphis woman was sent a check to buy supplies for a fake job and instructed to send back $3,000 in Visa gift cards to her “employer” [*]. But the check bounced, and she was out the full amount plus what she’d spent on the gift cards. How scammers create fraudulent checks for your account
Don’t get scammed! Look out for these warning signs:You most likely won’t know if a scammer has written or sent you a fake check until it bounces or you see unexplained transactions on your account (labeled as “check withdrawal”). If you receive a check from someone you’ve only met online, look for warning signs, such as:
💡 Related: Wells Fargo Identity Theft Protection: Pros, Cons & Alternatives → 5. Steal your identityBank account identity theft occurs when a scammer uses your personal and financial information without your knowledge or consent. It’s important to mention that a scammer cannot steal your identity with your bank account number alone. However, it only takes a few additional details to kickstart the identity theft process. Bank fraud was the fifth most common type of identity theft in 2021. Source: FTCFor instance, after noticing his bank account was missing a significant amount of money, a Michigan man learned that a scammer used his bank account information to open two new accounts with a slightly altered spelling of his last name and a different phone number [*]. How scammers can steal your identity using your bank account numbers
Don’t get scammed!Look out for these warning signs that your identity has been stolen, including:
Pro tip: Monitor your credit for signs of fraud. Aura’s credit monitoring feature will alert you in near real-time if anyone tries to open new accounts in your name or use your personal information to steal your money. Learn more about how Aura helps keep your credit and money safe → 6. Gain access to your online banking informationScammers often use your bank account number as leverage to gain access to your online banking account. For example, they could send you a phishing email claiming to be from your bank asking you to “confirm” your login details — and include your real account number to trick you into trusting the email’s legitimacy. How scammers can use your bank account number to get into your online accounts
Don’t get scammed! Look out for these warning signs:Always be cautious if you receive an unsolicited email, text, or phone call claiming to be from your bank. In all cases, you should hang up (or ignore the message) and log in to your bank account through its official website or app, rather than clicking on a link in a text message or email. Make sure that you also take login attempt notifications seriously. If you receive an alert that your bank has been accessed from a location you don’t recognize or at a time when you weren’t active, someone else may have gained access to your online bank account. 💡 Related: How To Avoid Account Takeover Fraud (ATO) → 7. Conduct tax fraudScammers may use your bank account details and other stolen information tofile phony tax returns (and pocket the refund). If this happens, you could end up in a nightmare scenario in which the IRS thinks you’ve committed fraud. How scammers can conduct tax fraud with your bank details
Don’t get scammed! Look out for these warning signs:Take any unfamiliar correspondences from the IRS seriously. You could be the victim of tax fraud if the IRS claims you’ve already filed a tax return (and you haven’t), you’re notified of an unfamiliar IRS.gov account, or you receive unfamiliar tax documents and transcripts. Pro tip: The IRS provides an app to check the status of any returns you legitimately file. You can also view your online accountto check your tax return and payment history for any signs of fraud. How To Tell If Scammers Have Your Bank Account Number
Do Scammers Have Your Bank Account Number? Do This!If you suspect scammers have your bank account number and you’re a victim of identity theft, act quickly. Once scammers access your bank account number, be sure to take the following steps.
Are You Liable for Charges That Scammers Make Using Your Bank?Generally speaking, you are not liable for charges that scammers make with your bank account details. Scammers have committed a crime — and most banks won’t victimize you further by demanding that you pay for the crime from your own bank account. However, there are a few guidelines to properly file a claim and avoid becoming liable for unauthorized charges.
The bank must correct the issue within one business day of declaring that a crime has occurred, and report its findings to you within another three business days. The Bottom Line: Protect Your Bank Account From Bad ActorsIt may not seem like a big deal for scammers to have access to your bank account numbers; but combined with other information, this can lead to devastating consequences. Don’t let scammers get access to your bank account numbers, online accounts, or finances. Look for the warning signs of bank account fraud, and contact your financial institution if you see anything suspicious. For added protection, consider signing up for Aura. Aura protects your online accounts, identity, and finances from scammers. And if the worst should happen, Aura provides 24/7 access to U.S.-based Fraud Resolution specialists as well as up to $1,000,000 in insurance coverage for eligible losses due to identity theft. Keep scammers out of your bank account. Try Aura FREE for 14 days! |