Community Capital Bank

DEMO | ENROLL | LEARN MORE

DEMO | ENROLL | LEARN MORE

5 Tips for Protecting Your Checking Account

1. Don’t give your account number and bank routing information to anyone you don’t know.

Give out your account information to companies with which you are familiar. If you have not done business with a company before, give out information only if you have initiated the transaction. Criminals may ask you for your bank account number and then withdraw money from your account by creating a demand draft (sometimes called a “remotely created check”) or making an electronic transfer. They may also ask for other personal information. Don’t fall for these scams and don’t let yourself be pressured into “free trial offers.” To be removed from telemarketing lists, sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry online (https://www.donotcall.gov) or by calling toll-free at 888-382-1222.

2. Review your monthly statement.

Make sure that the checks, debits automatic payments and other withdrawals reported are ones that you authorized. If you see a transaction you did not authorize, notify your bank immediately. If you use online banking, you don’t have to wait until your bank statement comes—you can check your transactions at any time.

3. Notify your bank about any problems as soon as possible.

The sooner you alert your bank to a problem, the sooner they can get it resolved. In some cases, your bank may require you to notify them in writing. Keep copies of any documents you give the bank until the problem is resolved. If you think the problem is a result of fraud, you should also contact your state attorney general.

4. If you don’t have enough money in your account, don’t write the check or authorize the debit.

Checks are processed more quickly these days, which means the money may be debited from your account sooner. Also, many stores and utility, insurance, and credit card companies will convert your check to an electronic payment, which also means that your account will be debited sooner. For more information, see the Federal Reserve Board’s publications “What You Should Know About Your Checks” and “Protecting Yourself from Overdraft and Bounced-Check Fees”.

5. Know your rights under consumer protection laws.

If you have a problem with an electronic debit or electronic fund transfer, you have certain rights under the federal Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA), as explained in the Board’s “Consumer Handbook to Credit Protection Laws”. You also have rights under the EFTA if you have a problem with a check that has been converted, as described in the Board brochure “When Is Your Check Not a Check?”.