People's banking habits have changed since the invention of the Internet. Most transactions can be done online, and there are ATMs all over cities and towns where you can get cash quickly. You can even use ATMs from banks other than your own thanks to internal connections. All of these things make banking very simple and easy to use.
At the same time, it makes you a target for scammers and identity thieves who steal your money by getting their hands on your information. Cyber crimes are very common these days, and if you aren't careful, you could lose your money to people who aren't honest. Even though most banks encrypt their data for security, hackers can still get in, despite what the banks say.
Be careful when using an ATM. This is one of the first rules of safe banking. For example, when you withdraw money, stand in a way that makes it hard for someone to see what you are typing. Since the password is so important, you should never tell it to anyone else, write it down, or even keep it on your computer. You should change your password often and never use the same one for different accounts.
Do not answer emails that ask for your bank information. Fraudsters can send you mail pretending to be your bank and asking for your information so they can update your records. You should know that no bank would do this because they know the security risks it would pose. If you're worried about a supposed inquiry from your bank, give them a call and make sure it's real.
Banks send you a lot of information through the mail, like statements and other kinds of letters. Since these papers usually have information about you that the bank has access to, you need to shred them well before you throw them away. Identity thieves often look through trash for information like this.
Online banking should only be done in a safe place, like your home or office. Public servers should be avoided. It is important to make sure that there is virus protection and firewall software wherever you access your account. Also, watch out for rogue software programmes that are sent to your mailbox. These programmes let the sender see what's in your mailbox, read your keystrokes, and find out everything about how you use the Internet. Always log out when you're done, especially if you're using a public server. If you don't do this, anyone who uses the terminal after you can easily get to your account information. Don't buy things online that require you to use a credit or debit card because you can't be sure of the security features of the site.
Banking has become very high-tech, and you can do it from the comfort of your own home or office thanks to online services. But people should be careful when banking online to avoid cheating and fraud and make sure it is safe and secure.
