What to Do if Someone Has Your Bank Account Number?

Immediate Steps to Take

If you believe someone has your bank account number, act quickly:

1. Contact your bank: Notify your bank or credit union immediately. They can monitor for suspicious activity, freeze the account, or help you open a new one.
2. Review recent transactions: Go through your account history for unauthorized charges or withdrawals.
3. Enable alerts: Set up transaction notifications by email or SMS to catch any unexpected activity in real time.
4. Change linked account details: If your account is linked to payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, or a payroll system, update those connections to your new account if applicable.
5. Consider a fraud alert: Contact one of the major credit entities to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This tells lenders to take extra steps before approving credit in your name.
6. Monitor for identity theft. Your bank account number alone isn’t usually enough for identity theft, but it could be one piece of the puzzle. Keep an eye on your credit reports and consider signing up for identity theft protection services.

How to Prevent Future Exposure

Preventing bank account exposure in the first place is the best line of defense. Here are some best practices:

• Avoid sharing your account information by email or text message.
• Be wary of phishing scams. Don’t click on suspicious links or provide personal information over the phone.
• Use strong, unique passwords for banking apps, and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
• Shred any documents containing sensitive information before throwing them away.
• Always verify fund transfer requests through a trusted secondary channel before sharing your bank details.

When to Change Your Bank Account Number

If your account number has been shared widely, or if there’s any sign of fraud, your bank may recommend closing the account and opening a new one. While this can be inconvenient, especially if you have automatic payments or deposits set up, it’s often the safest option.

Before switching, make a checklist of linked services like:

• Direct deposit from your employer
• Utility or subscription payments
• Payment platforms (e.g., PayPal, Stripe)
• Tax or government benefits

Switch these over promptly to avoid service disruptions.

While a bank account number alone may not be enough for a scammer to drain your funds, it can be a gateway to more serious fraud. If you suspect your number has been exposed, don’t wait. Alert your bank, monitor your account closely, and take preventative measures to protect your financial security. Like with most forms of cybercrime, quick action and vigilance are your best defense.