How to Protect Yourself from Remote Deposit Scams

 

Remote Deposit: What It Is and How You're In Danger

Technology is something that has transformed the banking landscape over the last couple of decades. Where it used to be that in order to do any sort of banking, including making a deposit, transfer, or bill payment, you'd need to head to your local branch, today practically everything can be done on your mobile device. As long as you own a smartphone, you can perform almost every task the teller would have been able to do for you.

While that is certainly great from a customer convenience standpoint, it has opened the door to countless scams and fraudulent banking activity that people need to be aware of and watch out for. One scam that has been circulating for quite some time now uses remote deposit capture (RDC) technology. This is when you take a picture with your smartphone of a personal check in order to deposit it, rather than heading to the bank in person.

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So, what is the RDC scam and what can you do to protect yourself? Let's take a closer look.

How the Remote Deposit Scam Works

If you haven't heard of the Remote Deposit Scam, this is the perfect opportunity to learn more. Typically, the way it works is that the fraudster will find their victims through social media, a job posting site like Craigslist, or through email. There will be an offer of a chance to earn or win quick money and all you have to do is deposit a check to your account.

In order to issue this check to you, the fraudster will ask for such information as your bank account and online banking password and login. Of course, you may say: "I am not going to give the personal information", but when posing as employers or organizations criminals have a very believable reason which will make you do it.

They will then use the information to deposit a fake check. Once the deposit has been made, the crooks request some funds to be immediately transferred back to them via money order, wire transfer, reloadable cards or even gift cards. After funds have been sent to the scammer, the check or checks that were deposited will be returned and the funds will be removed from the victim's account, causing a loss to the victim.

What Should You Do?

So, what can you do to ensure this never happens? The first rule to follow is that you never want to give out any personal information. This means things such as your bank account number, your PIN, your debit card number, or your mobile password and username. No legitimate company or business will ask for this information, so this is the very first red flag.

Another tip is to make sure you make a habit of checking your account activity and banking statement. Even if that means you only do it once a month when your bills are due, it's very important you check to make sure you are aware of and recognize all the activity happening in your account.

Also, make sure your online dealings are with banks and companies that are well-known, established, and use security measures. Take for example Deluxe Financial Treasury Management which offers its clients (banks and businesses) all kinds of cutting-edge tools such as remote deposit capture. The company takes all the necessary steps to not only protect its client, the bank in this case, but also you, the end customer.

 

Awareness is the Best Tool

When it comes to remote deposit scams, your very best weapon is to educate yourself and be aware of how the scam works, watching for the red flags.

 

How To Report Fraud

Warn your family and friends about this article by sharing it on social media using the buttons provided. You can also officially report the scammers to the Federal Trade Commission using the link below:

Report To The FTC Here

 

How To Protect Yourself More

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