What bank details are safe to give over the phone?

Safeguard Your Bank Details: Avoid Phone Scams

With the prevalence of phone scams, it is crucial to protect your financial information. Sharing bank details over the phone can be risky, exposing you to fraudulent activities. Here are the key precautions to take:

Confidential Information to Withhold:

• Account Number: Never disclose your account number to anyone over the phone.
• Routing Number: This number is also highly sensitive and should not be shared.
• PIN: Your PIN is a secret code that grants access to your account. Keep it confidential.

Verify Caller’s Identity:

Before providing any information, verify the caller’s identity. Legitimate institutions will not request sensitive data over the phone. Here are some steps to verify the caller:

• Ask for a callback number: A genuine caller should be willing to provide a number you can call back to verify their identity.
• Research the company: If you are unsure about the caller’s identity, conduct online research to verify their legitimacy.
• Trust your instincts: If something feels off about the call, it’s best to err on the side of caution and end the conversation.

Remember:

• Scammers use various tactics to deceive victims: They may pretend to be from your bank, credit card company, or other trusted organizations.
• Legitimate businesses will not ask for your sensitive information over the phone: If you receive such a request, it is likely a scam.
• Protect yourself by being vigilant and cautious: Never share your confidential bank details over the phone unless you have thoroughly verified the caller’s identity.