How to Prevent Internet Banking Fraud

Internet banking, like any other business arena, is susceptible to fraud. Phonies abound in every type of business, and this is no different. Yet, there are some ways you can prevent being taken.

One kind of fraud is done on fake bank sites. These are look-alike sites that imitate your internet banking website. They sometimes pop up when you type in a slight misspelling of your bank's web address.

If you are not paying attention, you can type in your username and password before you realize you are not connected to your own bank at all. You should always type in the bank's web address carefully to prevent this from happening. Most banks have names that are simple to remember, so this should not take too much effort.

Another type of fraud is "phishing." This is the use of emails to lure you onto a fake bank website to steal your information. You might open the email and find a request for information from "your bank." A link will be provided to you.

If you click on the link and go to the fake bank site, you might give up all kinds of valuable information if you do not pay attention to what is happening. You could be asked not only your specific internet banking information. You could also be asked for other private data like your social security number, or your driver's license number.

One thing to remember is that a legitimate internet banking operation will never ask you for the password for your account. This is your private information and you should not give it to anyone, even if they claim to be from the bank.

Your bank will also never ask for personal information through an email link. Anytime you deal with the bank online, type in the bank's name yourself. Then look to be sure the closed lock symbol appears on the upper right corner of your screen. You will never go to your internet banking website without being able to see that locked padlock symbol.

Sometimes, no matter what you do, a fraudster will find a way into your bank account. The best defense is to watch your account carefully. If you always know what money is going into and out of your account, you will notice if something unexpected is happening.

If you see withdrawals on your account that you did not make, be sure to report it to your bank right away. Internet banking frauds are often hard to find. If you do not act quickly, you make it nearly impossible.

Once you have reported it, you can make arrangements to put your money in a new secure account. This way, the crooks will be able to steal less money from your account and you will not be vulnerable to further attacks.

The bank has many procedures to safeguard the security of your internet banking. However, you will fare better if you take some steps to protect yourself as well. It only makes sense.