There are lots of ways that thieves can gain
access to your bank account info offline as well. Here are a few precautions for
you to take:
As with online banking,
pay attention. Don't just get your bank statement and toss it on the
'to-do' pile on your desk. Your to-do pile is probably way too big, and it might
be days before you get around to opening that envelope. You can't spot a problem
if you're not paying attention -- and if you don't spot an existing problem, it
could cost you a great deal.
Action: Read your bank
statements as soon as you get them.
Be very careful with your
ATM/Debit card. Don't lend your ATM/Debit card to anyone or share your
PIN. And never write your PIN number on your ATM/Debit card or have it anywhere
near your ATM/Debit card (in the event that your wallet gets stolen).
Shield your transactions
when you use your ATM/Debit card so no one can see what you are keying
in. Check to make sure that no hardware devices have been added to an ATM
machine you're using. These devices, called 'Skimmer' devices, can record the
info from the magnetic strip on your ATM/Debit card along with your PIN number.
They take less than 15 seconds for the scammer to install and uninstall them.
Some Skimmer devices are installed over the keypad on an ATM machine -- and may
include warnings, supposedly from the bank, about how this equipment is being
tested. If you see anything like this, do NOT use the ATM machine.
Shred old and unused
checks, as well as any unwanted paper that has your bank account number
on it. - Never give anyone a signed blank check.