It's your account, so you're in charge of managing it. Check it regularly in order to avoid a mishap. The first step the bank will take is freezing your account so no-one can access it. If you go to your local bank branch, they will give you a temporary card, otherwise it will be sent to you in the mail.
If money has been taken they will protect your account and make sure no more money can be taken. Even if no money has been taken your bank will take action by changing your security details and cancelling your cards.
If you paid a scammer with a debit card:
The bank must provide a provisional credit to your account within 10 days, and it has up to 45 days to complete the investigation. If the bank determines that the charge was fraudulent, it must refund your money and remove the charge from your account [*].
Step 1: Change your passwords
On accounts or devices that contain sensitive information, make sure your password is strong, unique—and not easily guessable. Adding your birthday to your mother's maiden name won't cut it.
Not only can hackers steal your credit card information, they can also steal other sensitive information such as your bank login information, social security number, and other data straight from your computer.
First let's clear up one myth - giving out your bank account number and BSB is fine. "There is no issue in giving out your BSB/account details as it's only possible to deposit funds rather than withdraw funds," an ING spokesperson told Money. "If an unauthorised debit occurs then the debiting institution is liable."
Fortunately, if you have a checking or savings account (or both), your money is far safer at a credit union or bank than what often plays out on the silver screen. In fact, financial institutions go to great lengths to protect your cash and keep it out of the hands of modern-day bandits.
Signs your bank account has been hacked
Keep a close eye on these warning signs that your account could be compromised: Strange purchases. Seeing activity that's out of the ordinary may be the first clue that a hacker has infiltrated your account. Watch for transactions made in locations where you haven't been.
If hackers get into your device or accounts, they could access your money and personal information and you could become a victim of identity theft or identity fraud.
Do banks reimburse stolen money? Banks and credit card companies usually reimburse stolen money, but they don't always have to. If you lose a debit card or have it stolen and don't report the fraud right away, it's possible your bank won't refund stolen money and you could be liable for some of the losses.
It's also possible hackers could use your email account to gain access to your bank account or credit card information, draining funds from an account, or racking up charges. They might even use your email and password to sign up for online sites and services, sticking you with monthly fees in the process.
Consider Freezing or Closing Your Account
In many cases, canceling a debit or credit card can stop bank fraud in its tracks. When your account has been hacked due to identity theft, it can be more difficult to keep criminals from repeatedly accessing it.
If scammers steal your phone, they can bypass all of your banking app's security features. A scammer could request a new password for your bank app (and access it through your email) and then bypass the protection of your multi-factor authentication code (MFA) when it's sent to your phone.
Protecting your bank account from potential hackers is an ongoing battle in our increasingly digital world. Cybersecurity in banking is no longer an option, it's a necessity. With just your phone number, a cybercriminal might attempt to gain unauthorized access to your account.
Here are some of the main warning signs that you've been hacked: You get signed out of your online accounts (social media, email, online banking, etc.), or you try to log in and discover your passwords don't work anymore.
Contact your bank or card provider to alert them. Reporting is an important first step to getting your money back, and you could be liable for all money lost before you report it. If you've been targeted, even if you don't fall victim, you can report it to Action Fraud.
Many online services require users to fill in personal details such as full name, home address and credit card number. Criminals steal this data from online accounts to commit identity theft, such as using the victim's credit card or taking loans in their name.
Phishing for passwords
Phishing is one of the most common ways that hackers gain access to other people's login data. Phishing emails often contain links that lead to fake websites designed to trick you into entering your password.
By installing keyloggers on your phone, a cybercriminal can monitor your activity and secretly view your login data for websites and apps. In some cases, they can even turn hacked phones into cryptominers, generating cryptocurrency for the hackers while drastically slowing down device performance.
Are your accounts secure? Learn how to identify vulnerable accounts and protect your business. Online privacy experts say Facebook, Instagram and Spotify are the most commonly hacked account types in the United States.
The easiest way to become a victim of a bank scam is to share your banking info — e.g., account numbers, PIN codes, social security number — with someone you don't know well and trust. If someone asks for sensitive banking details, proceed with caution.