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.
Bank details are pieces of information about your bank account. They include:
Bank Name and Branch Address: Where your bank is and where you have your account.
Routing Number: A number that tells others which bank you use.
Account Number: A unique number that shows your specific account.
IBAN or SWIFT Code: These help with sending money to and from other countries.
Online Banking Login: Your username and password to access your bank account online.
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.
Some details can be shared safely in many cases. Here are a few examples:
Why It’s Safe: This information is public and helps people know where your account is.
When to Share: You can share it when setting up direct deposit or filling out a form.
Why It’s Safe: The routing number only tells someone which bank you use.
When to Share: Use it for setting up direct deposit or automatic payments.
Why It’s Safe: These codes are used for sending money to and from other countries.
When to Share: Only when you need to receive international payments.
Why It’s Safe: Your name is public information.
When to Share: When filling out forms or confirming your identity.
Other details are very sensitive. Do not share these with anyone you do not trust:
Why It’s Risky: This number is like a key to your account.
Keep Private: Only share it when absolutely needed and only with trusted people.
Why It’s Risky: If someone knows these, they can access your account.
Keep Private: Never share your login details in emails, phone calls or texts.
Why It’s Risky: Your PIN protects your card transactions.
Keep Private: Do not give it to anyone, even if they claim to be from your bank.
Why It’s Risky: These answers help protect your account.
Keep Private: Avoid sharing them on social media or with strangers.
Why It’s Risky: This can be used for identity theft.
Keep Private: Share only with trusted, secure places when needed.
Scammers use different tricks to steal your information. Here are some common scams:
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.
Spotting Them: Look for spelling mistakes, odd email addresses or urgent language.
Tip: Go directly to your bank’s website instead of clicking on email links.
What It Is: Calls from people pretending to be bank workers or officials. They might say there is a problem with your account.
Spotting Them: Be careful if the caller asks for your PIN, account number or password.
Tip: Hang up and call your bank using a number from your bank statement or the bank’s official website.
What It Is: Texts that try to get you to click a link or reply with personal information.
Spotting Them: Look for generic greetings and urgent messages.
Tip: Do not reply to such texts. Instead, check with your bank directly.
What It Is: Websites that look like your bank’s site but are fake.
Spotting Them: Check the website address. It should start with “https://” and show a padlock symbol.
Tip: Bookmark your bank’s real website to be sure you use the correct site.