Recent surges in cyber crime should have you on high alert; your hard-earned funds could be targeted. Discover 10 unnerving signs your bank account may be within a cyber thief's crosshairs, and learn how to fight back.
Are strange transactions popping up on your bank account? Are you being notified of strange purchases you know you didn’t make? If yes, then Houston, we have a problem. Unusual transactions can be telltale signs of a hacker having a field day with your account. It doesn’t have to be a purchase of a yacht or a private island either, even small, seemingly insignificant transactions can be a smokescreen for a larger operation. To be on top of this, regularly review your account statements and set up transaction alerts. And remember, if someone manages to make a trip to Fiji with your money, at least ask them to send you a postcard.
If there are withdrawals you can't explain, and you're sure you weren't sleepwalking to the ATM in the middle of the night, it might be the handiwork of a digital specter, an account hacker. Phantom withdrawals can occur at irregular intervals, or they may be minute amounts the miscreant hopes you won't notice. So, if you find your account leaking money like a sieve, you’re possibly dealing with a cyber-ghoul. Again, timely vigilance and prompt action can send these ghosts back into the machine!
Have you been getting notifications that your password has been changed - when you didn't change it? That’s the equivalent of someone changing the locks to your house when you’re away. Most likely, it’s a surefire sign highlighting a hack. In this case, regain control ASAP by calling your bank's hotlines and changing your password. And next time, consider a password that's less guessable than your cat's name. Because Fluffy123? Not so secure, my friend.
Exotic locations are great for travel and exploration, not so much for bank transactions. If your bank alerts you to logins or transactions from far-flung locations and you’re absolutely sure you weren't in Tibet or Kazakhstan last night, your account might be hacked. Most banks have sophisticated geo-tracking that alerts them (and you, hopefully) of any suspicious account activity linked to unfamiliar IPs. So, no, it's not your account trying to globetrot; it could be a hacker’s IP address making a round-the-world tour.
A little like finding unknown car keys on your keychain, if you see unrecognized apps or cards linked to your bank account, or worse, notice accounts you don't recall setting up, it reeks of cyber intrusion. What’s more, these could be doors through which hackers access your bank account, set up by them, for them. So if you stumble upon these, make like a cyber-ninja and chop off their access. (Metaphorically speaking, of course, please don’t start chopping off random things.)
Sure, everyone has forgetful days. But if you notice multiple failed login notifications, especially from devices or locations unfamiliar to you, it could be a cyber-hacker playing a game of 'guess your password'. This can be nipped in the bud through two-step authentication and complex password practices. But if you're seeing those notifications already, it's time to spring into action before the intruder gets lucky.
If you're getting drowned in a sea of strange, suspicious emails or calls asking for your banking information, chances are a hacker is fishing, or rather, 'phishing' for information. These tricksters have the crafty skill of duping you into handing over the keys to your bank fortress by pretending to be from your bank, a digital locksmith, or a Nigerian prince. The rule of thumb here: Never provide personal or banking details via email or unsolicited calls. And sadly, there are no millions waiting in Nigeria. Sorry!
If your credit report is showing random credit inquiries that you don’t recall making, this could be a hacker testing the waters. Much like a person prodding a beehive with a stick before robbing it of honey. These inquiries can hurt your credit score and are often a precursor to a full-on identity theft. Shield your honey - er, account - by closely monitoring your credit report and immediately challenging any suspicious inquiries.
Suddenly noticing a depletion in your cheques can also scream 'hacker alert.' Although digital, a hacker might resort to ye olde methods of money pilfering by writing out cheques. If you notice blank cheques disappearing or cheques you didn't write making their way to the cleared items list, it might be a hacker trying to go analogue on you. Time to pull the plug on that operation.
Last but not least, if you find yourself having transactions declined frequently, or receive alerts for insufficient funds when you know your account isn’t mirroring Sahara’s dryness, it’s a classic sign of a hacker having run through your funds. It could be a sign that your financial pool has been made into a hacker's private hot tub. Act swiftly to freeze your account and oust the uninvited guest.
Preventive vigilance, regular updates, sophisticated cybersecurity measures, and prompt action are your best shields against potential bank account hacks. Keep your armor polished, your sword sharp, and your digital castle safe. There's no such thing as being too protective of your hard-earned treasure!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.