Bank Account Information
Your bank account information is all the information you gave to your bank when you asked them to open an account for you. It includes all the information the bank then gave you, such as your bank account number and the username and password you use to access it online, if you have an internet bank account.
That is all there is to know about it, and for most of us we use our accounts without any problems. However, you definitely have to be very careful who you give your bank account information to, especially if you make online transactions. You must also be aware that your Bank NEVER asks its customers for account information via email.
A financial institution would never ask you to verify your account information online. Unfortunately, I told my friend this a few days ago, and she was pleased yesterday that I had reminded her about giving her bank account information through the email, because to her surprise she then received an email asking her to do just that! She did not reply to that email, and deleted it from her inbox.
She had been sent a phishing email. Phishing is a technique used to gain access to your personal information for purposes of identity theft. phishing: is the practice whereby a criminal who is pretending to be from a legitimate organization, sends misleading emails (email spoofing) requesting personal and financial details from unsuspecting people.
Phishing and Pharming Internet scams will often involve sending emails, and don't be surprised if you see them using the bank's logos, and other materials making the email appear very official.
Your bank will never call you to ask for your account number either. Never give your account number and bank name over the phone if someone calls you and asks, unless of course you know exactly who they are and have asked them to call you, and you have good reason to trust them. The next way to keep your bank account information private is to practice 'safe trash' with printouts of your account information. Shred them all!
In the USA most private detectives have little or no trouble getting bank account information for their clients. Thieves armed with this information and your account number can help themselves to your savings. The only way the bank can legally divulge any information about you or any bank account associated with you is by court order from a court in most countries.
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