question about checking account and the account number

[Solodays]

hey, i was just wondering that my checking account number is on my checks, wouldn't someone esle be able to acess my account with that number?

 

[kranky]

There are ways to do that (I won't go into specifics). The best way to protect yourself is only give checks to reputable companies/people.

There was a story in our local paper today about a guy who scammed people by using information from the checks he was paid with for doing lawn work.

 

[Solodays]

so..is the account number on the check safe to use?

 

[kranky]

What do you mean "safe to use"?

Are you giving someone a check? If you trust them, it's OK.
Paying a bill by check? No problem.
Giving someone your checking account number over the phone? I wouldn't unless it was a company I was familiar with.

 

[Solodays]

it's not the visa check card number, it's the "account number" it's on my statement letter ive recieve and that account number is also on my checks.

I was just courious if someone knows this number, can they call the customer service and withdrawal money from my checking account, cancel my account, add money to my account, etcc.......

 

[kranky]

I was just courious if someone knows this number, can they call the customer service and withdrawal money from my checking account, cancel my account, add money to my account, etcc.......

No, they can't. You have nothing to worry about from that perspective.

 

[Tom]

Originally posted by: kranky

I was just courious if someone knows this number, can they call the customer service and withdrawal money from my checking account, cancel my account, add money to my account, etcc.......

No, they can't. You have nothing to worry about from that perspective.

That's assuming the bank does their job right.

 

[Solodays]

good. then whats the point of the account number?

 

[TravisT]

Originally posted by: Solodays
good. then whats the point of the account number?

I use my account number on my Savings and Checking accounts to transfer money via phone. I'm not sure if you could do it from one account to another persons account to 'steal' the money. But i doubt it.

 

[Solodays]

how do you transfer money using your account number by phone? then how do they get your money?

 

[ThisIsMatt]

Originally posted by: Solodays
good. then whats the point of the account number?

What's the point of the account number??? It's so banks can deduct check amounts from your account - they don't do it buy your name.

 

If you know JUST an account number, you can deposit money into an account - at least that's the experience I've had at all the banks I've ever been to. However, in order to withdraw money you must show ID.

To do it over the phone, you must punch in the routing number of your bank - that's the SECOND long number at the bottom of your check. That is a number telling your payee which bank to go to with your account number.

Even when I send my Amex bill in with a check, they just use the account and routing numbers to withdraw the money - no check needed.

 

[Krugger]

Originally posted by: Solodays
how do you transfer money using your account number by phone? then how do they get your money?

sounds like your fishing for a howto steal money.
just me though.

 

[ExplodingBoy]

I'm not going to post specifics either, but the other posters are right to warn you to be careful of who you give your checks to. It should be difficult for a theif to use your checking acct # to withdraw funds, but it is not impossible. However, armed with your checking account number there are lots of other ways a theif could do damage to you. So be careful who you right checks to, review your statement each month and check for bogus charges, and control how any pieces of paper with your acct number on it (including old checks) are disposed.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Solodays
good. then whats the point of the account number?

so they know which account to withdraw the funds from? did you know your bank has a routing number on there as well?

 

[Mr N8]

Originally posted by: Solodays
how do you transfer money using your account number by phone? then how do they get your money?

Routing number and account number. Yes, both are on checks. Checks are out, anyway. Use your debit card and auto transfers for bills. I even pay my rent with a Money order.

 

[Solodays]

ok, thank. well..can they still check my status online using my account number? like what i buy online with my checking card, withdrawl money, etc...?

 

[Solodays]

bump

 

[TheToOTaLL]

We only write checks to 5 entities on a regular basis

Mortgage Company
Bank (for wife's car note)
Leinholder (for my car payments)
Church
Utility Company

Every now and then we'll have to pay the doctor or dentist, or my friend when he's sells some of his goodies after buying new stuff

Other than, everything is paid either electronically or over the phone via check card.