Every day, several bank accounts across the world are hacked and clearly, thieves have always been drawn to bank accounts. The only virtual bricks, locks, and vaults that protect our money are networks and security. Your savings and income are at risk if they are damaged or evaded. What can you, therefore, do about it? It’s wise to be aware of the techniques that cyber thieves employ to access your bank account.
Below are a few ways you can tell if this happens:
1. Your Bank Sends Unexpected Notifications
You may set up SMS notifications to keep track of your bank account’s transfer activities and cash outflows. A weekly statement is often available, and email reminders can also be set up.
Checking these notifications will keep you up to date on any payments made. If suspicious-looking cash withdrawals are recorded, follow up. Similarly, if your bank contacts you to tell you of a change in your login, password, or personal information, take action as soon as possible. This is an obvious sign that someone is attempting to gain access to your bank account, contact your bank immediately to halt the hack.
2. Large Transactions and an Empty Account
Is your bank account unexpectedly empty? If you haven’t previously taken precautions to prevent your bank account from being hacked, large transactions will follow.
It all depends on the thief’s confidence in you and your bank’s capacity to detect suspicious conduct. You’ll almost probably have seen this if you didn’t notice the tiny quantity of money disappearing from your bank account, but it would have been pretty too late.
3. Your “Bank” Calls You and Requests Account Details
Do you believe that a phone number cannot be used to hack your bank? Think twice!
Smart bank robbers can use your phone number to call you and impersonate a bank staff. They may be able to get access to your account if you are caught off guard. All they need is your account number, username, password, and any other vital information, and they’ll empty your bank account before you realize.
Never answer the phone from your bank asking for personal information. If a bank calls, note their name and phone number before hanging up. If you want to make sure the phone number is real, search the internet for it. If it is, then you could give a callback. If not, call the main public line for your bank to report the incident to the appropriate division. They can then take action to further secure your bank account.
4. Your Account Is Closed
This is unlikely to happen to you, but it would have occurred before you realize it. People find out months later that their bank accounts have been emptied, typically savings accounts rather than current/day-to-day accounts.
When these victims find out, it’s usually through a letter from the bank that says, “We’re closing your account.” The justification they provide is straightforward: your account has been dormant for some time.
