Safe Banking

A bank or other financial institution is still the safest place to keep your money.  But that doesn't mean there aren't ways you could be victimized. 

Tips for Safe Banking

  • Don't keep large amounts of cash at home or in your possession. Establish a checking account. Most banks offer low-cost, economy checking for those who don't need to write a large number of checks.
  • Protect your deposit slips and checkbook. Never give anyone a deposit slip or bank check. Your deposit slip contains your account number and should never be used as a way to give someone your address and phone number. Never tell anyone your account number other than for legitimate business reasons. Your account number could allow someone access to your account.
  • Protect your bank statements. Either keep them or destroy them. Don't put them in the trash where someone might retrieve them later.
  • Never give out information about your bank account by telephone. Your bank will not call by phone to ask for information of this kind.
  • Exercise caution when going to and from your bank lobby. Stay alert and don't loiter. Don't openly carry cash or checks. Keep them concealed in your purse or pocket. Be cautious of strangers.
  • If you are victimized near your bank or on bank property, report it to the bank as well as to the police.
  • Have Social Security checks and other regularly recurring checks deposited directly into your bank account. Most banks are able to accept Social Security checks directly from the Social Security Administration. Check with your bank to determine what kinds of checks it will accept by direct deposit.
  • Check with your employer about having your payroll check deposited directly in your bank.
  • Use a safe deposit box to store valuable items such as jewelry and important documents like the title to your car. This provides protection against damage from fires and floods as well as from theft. The cost of a safe deposit box is usually only a few dollars a month.

Automatic Teller Machine and Night Deports Safety

  • Protect the Personal Identification Number you use with your ATM. Don't write it on your card. Stand directly in front of the ATM when you enter your number so no one can look over your shoulder.
  • Try to have another person accompany you when using your ATM or night deposit.
  • Be ready to conduct your transaction before you approach the ATM or night deposit. Conduct your business quickly and don't loiter in the vicinity.
  • At night, use an ATM or night deposit that is well lighted.
  • Be observant when you use your ATM or night deposit. Be cautious of anyone who is loitering around your ATM or night deposit. Don't stop to talk to strangers. Leave quickly if you are approached while using your ATM or night deposit.
  • Put away your money as soon as you withdraw it from the ATM. Don't stand by the ATM and count your money. Don't openly carry money to your ATM or night deposit. Keep it concealed until you are ready to make the deposit.
  • Always take your receipt from the ATM. Do not leave it in the machine or lying on the ground nearby. The receipt shows your account number.

If Your Checkbook is Lost or Stolen

Call your bank immediately if your checkbook is lost or stolen. Have your account number written down and stored in a safe place. Be prepared to give your bank the account number, the check number and amount of the last check you wrote, and to whom it was written. Your bank will then tell you what procedures to follow in order to protect your account. Don't delay re-ordering a missing checkbook.