How to Avoid Getting Hacked and Scammed: A Simple Guide
In today's world, scammers and hackers are always trying to steal your money and personal information. Whether you are using online banking, answering phone calls or sharing your bank details, you need to know what information to share and what to keep private.
1. What Are Bank Details?
Bank details are pieces of information about your bank account. They include:
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Bank Name and Branch Address: Where your bank is and where you have your account.
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Routing Number: A number that tells others which bank you use.
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Account Number: A unique number that shows your specific account.
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IBAN or SWIFT Code: These help with sending money to and from other countries.
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Online Banking Login: Your username and password to access your bank account online.
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PIN: A secret number you use at ATMs or for some purchases.
Knowing these helps you decide what to share and what to keep private.
2. What Information Is Safe to Share?
Some details can be shared safely in many cases. Here are a few examples:
2.1. Your Bank’s Name and Branch Address
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Why It’s Safe: This information is public and helps people know where your account is.
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When to Share: You can share it when setting up direct deposit or filling out a form.
2.2. Your Routing Number
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Why It’s Safe: The routing number only tells someone which bank you use.
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When to Share: Use it for setting up direct deposit or automatic payments.
2.3. IBAN or SWIFT Code
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Why It’s Safe: These codes are used for sending money to and from other countries.
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When to Share: Only when you need to receive international payments.
2.4. Your Name on the Account
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Why It’s Safe: Your name is public information.
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When to Share: When filling out forms or confirming your identity.
3. What Information Should You Keep Private?
Other details are very sensitive. Do not share these with anyone you do not trust:
3.1. Your Full Account Number
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Why It’s Risky: This number is like a key to your account.
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Keep Private: Only share it when absolutely needed and only with trusted people.
3.2. Online Banking Login (Username and Password)
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Why It’s Risky: If someone knows these, they can access your account.
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Keep Private: Never share your login details in emails, phone calls or texts.
3.3. Your PIN
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Why It’s Risky: Your PIN protects your card transactions.
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Keep Private: Do not give it to anyone, even if they claim to be from your bank.
3.4. Answers to Security Questions
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Why It’s Risky: These answers help protect your account.
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Keep Private: Avoid sharing them on social media or with strangers.
3.5. Sensitive Personal Info (Like Your Social Security Number)
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Why It’s Risky: This can be used for identity theft.
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Keep Private: Share only with trusted, secure places when needed.
4. Common Scams and How to Spot Them
Scammers use different tricks to steal your information. Here are some common scams:
4.1. Phishing Emails
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What It Is: Fake emails that look like they are from your bank. They ask you to click on links or give your login details.
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Spotting Them: Look for spelling mistakes, odd email addresses or urgent language.
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Tip: Go directly to your bank’s website instead of clicking on email links.
4.2. Phone Scams
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What It Is: Calls from people pretending to be bank workers or officials. They might say there is a problem with your account.
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Spotting Them: Be careful if the caller asks for your PIN, account number or password.
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Tip: Hang up and call your bank using a number from your bank statement or the bank’s official website.
4.3. Text Message Scams
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What It Is: Texts that try to get you to click a link or reply with personal information.
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Spotting Them: Look for generic greetings and urgent messages.
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Tip: Do not reply to such texts. Instead, check with your bank directly.
4.4. Fake Websites
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What It Is: Websites that look like your bank’s site but are fake.
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Spotting Them: Check the website address. It should start with “https://” and show a padlock symbol.
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Tip: Bookmark your bank’s real website to be sure you use the correct site.
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5. What to Do When You Get a Suspicious Phone Call
Phone scams are common. Here’s how to handle them:
5.1. Do Not Share Personal Information
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What to Do: Never give out your account number, PIN or passwords on a call from someone you do not know.
5.2. Ask for Details
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What to Do: If someone calls and says they are from your bank, ask for their name, department and a callback number.
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Tip: A real bank worker will understand your need to check.
5.3. Hang Up and Call Back
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What to Do: If you feel unsure, hang up and call your bank directly using a number you know is real.
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Tip: This step keeps your information safe.
5.4. Report the Call
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What to Do: Tell your bank or local authorities if you think the call was a scam.
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Tip: Reporting helps stop scammers from tricking others.
6. How to Avoid Online Hacking and Phishing
Online scams can steal your data. Here are some ways to protect yourself:
6.1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
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How To: Create passwords that mix letters, numbers and symbols. Do not use the same password for many accounts.
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Tip: A password manager can help keep track of your passwords.
6.2. Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
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How To: Use 2FA if your bank offers it. This adds an extra code (sent to your phone) along with your password.
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Tip: It makes it much harder for hackers to get into your account.
6.3. Be Careful with Email Links and Attachments
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How To: Do not click on links or open attachments from unknown emails.
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Tip: If you get a strange email, go to your bank’s website by typing the address yourself.
6.4. Keep Your Software Updated
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How To: Always update your computer, phone and antivirus programs.
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Tip: Updates help protect your device from new threats.
6.5. Use Secure Internet Connections
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How To: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking. Use a secure network or a VPN.
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Tip: This stops hackers from stealing your data on public networks.
7. Safe Practices for Online Banking
When you bank online, it is important to follow these tips:
7.1. Log Out After You Finish
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What to Do: Always log out of your bank account when you are done.
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Tip: This helps keep your account safe from others.
7.2. Check Your Account Often
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What to Do: Look at your bank statements and account activity regularly.
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Tip: Catch any unusual transactions early.
7.3. Avoid Saving Passwords on Shared Devices
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What to Do: Do not choose the “remember me” option on public computers.
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Tip: This prevents others from accessing your account.
7.4. Use a Secure Web Browser
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What to Do: Use browsers that offer good security features and keep them updated.
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Tip: This helps protect your personal information online.
8. Real-Life Examples
Here are some simple examples to help you understand:
Example 1: A Suspicious Email
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What Happens: You get an email that says there is a problem with your account and asks you to click a link.
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What to Do: Do not click the link. Instead, go to your bank’s website by typing the address yourself and check your account.
Example 2: A Strange Phone Call
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What Happens: Someone calls and says there is a problem with your account. They ask for your account number and PIN.
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What to Do: Do not give out any information. Hang up and call your bank using a phone number from your bank statement.
Example 3: A Text Message Request
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What Happens: You receive a text asking for a verification code or other details.
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What to Do: Don’t reply. Check your account by logging in directly or calling your bank.
Learn how to avoid getting hacked and scammed with our straightforward guide. Discover which bank details are safe to share, how to handle suspicious calls and emails and top tips for secure online banking.