6 Simple Ways to Shield Your Checking Account from Fraud
Your checking account is like the front door to your financial life. Just as you wouldn't leave your house unlocked, you shouldn't leave your bank account vulnerable to thieves.
The good news? You have more power than you think to protect yourself. With a few smart habits and the right tools, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a fraud victim. Let's explore six practical strategies that will help you keep your hard-earned money safe.
Monitor Your Account Regularly
Check your account balance and recent transactions frequently—ideally every few days. Set up alerts for large withdrawals, low balances and new account activity. The sooner you catch suspicious charges, the faster you can stop fraud. If you spot anything odd, contact your bank right away.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Make your banking password long, complex and unlike any others you use. Mix letters, numbers and symbols for added strength. Turn on two-factor authentication for another layer of security. Change your password periodically to stay protected. Plus, Face ID or Touch ID on most smart phones makes using a strong password quick and easy.
Watch for Phishing Scams
Phishing scams try to trick you into giving up personal info through fake emails or texts that look real. Beware of urgent messages, requests for sensitive info or strange links. When in doubt, call the number on the back of your debit card.
Fortify Your Personal Information
Guard personal details like your Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords—these help fraudsters commit identity theft. Share sensitive info only with trusted sources, and limit what you post online. Always shred documents with financial details before tossing them to prevent dumpster divers from stealing your data. Freeze your credit to add an extra layer of protection.
Master Safe Banking Habits
Only access your account using Decorah/Cresco Bank’s official app or website, and steer clear of public Wi-Fi for banking whenever possible—use your cellular data for a secure connection. Always log out completely after each session, especially on shared devices. Set up bill pay as a secure and convenient measure to manage payments while reducing the risk of check fraud. By allowing you to pay bills electronically, it eliminates the need to write and mail physical checks, which can be intercepted and then altered, this is known as check washing and has become more of an issue as fraudsters look for ways around electronic security measures. Don’t be fooled into thinking, “this can’t happen in our small town”, it happens everywhere.
Leverage Your Bank's Security Features
Turn on alerts for every transaction so you can catch suspicious activity right away. Use your Decorah/Cresco Bank account lockdown or freeze options to instantly block your debit card if it’s lost or stolen. Explore other security features like spending limits and mobile check deposit for added protection. Read more about our Card Controls for added debit card security here.
Your Financial Security Starts Today!
Protecting your checking account from fraud isn't about living in fear—it's about taking smart, proactive steps that become second nature. Like wearing a seatbelt or locking your car, these habits require minimal effort but provide maximum protection.
Your checking account security is ultimately in your hands. By following these strategies, you're not just protecting your money—you're protecting your peace of mind. After all, the best fraud is the one that never happens in the first place.