Online Bill Pay and Banking

**KimZ** · 09-23-2010, 04:54 PM

Didn't know exactly where to post so I put it under general.

So here's my Question and story:

How safe do you feel with your Online Bill Pay/ Banking?

My Mom has had a BIG Security Breach with a virus at her bank in which they have gotten some personal information and now I am afraid to use my own online banking systems including my ING accounts.

I know NEVER to give any personal information ( unfortunately she didn't know ) but now I am thinking I should go back to the old fashion - Monthy Bank Statements, Check (instead of online) and Cash.

I am looking for Advice and/or Opinions on the subject! To Online or To Not!

**Momto5RN** · 09-23-2010, 05:43 PM

i pay alot of things online and have been for years
never had an issue .

if the bank itself had a security breach it wouldnt matter much if you paid things online or not . they got info from breaking into the banks computer system.

my dh had someone in california trying to use his CC he uses for work stuff ; a CC he has never used online only at resturants and gas stations.

**dcompton** · 09-23-2010, 06:23 PM

I have always felt safe with the online banking. Yes, these things happen, but your information is out there on a check as well, and cash can be lost. I will continue to use both online banking and bill pay.

**C@rol** · 09-23-2010, 06:56 PM

I have been paying all of our bills online since 2002 and have never had a problem. Don't know what I would do if I had to go back to the snail mail route.
It's been very safe for us.

**TigerGirl1226** · 09-23-2010, 07:27 PM

I feel confident paying my bills online. There is always a possibility for a breach by paying online, but at the same there can be a problem with checks. Someone could intercept the check and use your routing/account numbers to take your money too.

Nothing is absolutely safe.

**Russ** · 09-23-2010, 08:56 PM

Kim, talk to your bank rep. They can walk you through all of their security for on line banking.

**Yvonne 11** · 09-23-2010, 10:57 PM

Originally Posted by KimZ

Didn't know exactly where to post so I put it under general.

So here's my Question and story:

How safe do you feel with your Online Bill Pay/ Banking?

My Mom has had a BIG Security Breach with a virus at her bank in which they have gotten some personal information and now I am afraid to use my own online banking systems including my ING accounts.

I know NEVER to give any personal information ( unfortunately she didn't know ) but now I am thinking I should go back to the old fashion - Monthy Bank Statements, Check (instead of online) and Cash.

I am looking for Advice and/or Opinions on the subject! To Online or To Not!

I pay several bills on line and I also bank on line. I like banking on line for I can check anytime to see what checks and online bills have come in and been posted and when

I think it`s safer than snail mail. The post office sometimes looses mail. By paying bills on line, I know that the bills are paid and on time.

**craftypam** · 09-23-2010, 11:06 PM

I was nervous about doing online banking. I had just changed banks. I was told it is better to pay everything through your bank and not go to all the different cc and pay at their sites, that way only your bank has your banking info.
That might not help with what happened to your mom, but in other ways it will. I have had no problems paying online and love how easy it is.

**Nana2two** · 09-23-2010, 11:48 PM

The only bill we pay by check is water bill (small town) Everything else is online.We have been for about 5 years now.

**frugalfranny** · 09-24-2010, 12:40 AM

Originally Posted by TigerGirl1226

Nothing is absolutely safe.

Yeah, that!

There are a lot of my bills that I can't pay online. (sewer, water, prop. taxes)

Maybe see what bills you can pay online and figure the stamp savings into the decision.

**KimZ** · 09-24-2010, 09:08 AM

After sitting on hold for 5 hours and talking to every person at the bank including computer people.... it turns out that it was most likely just a banking glitch! They are not 100% sure but everyone I spoke to said that is what it sounds like

Everything has a lesson right? My Lesson...... NEVER EVER put your SS number into a anything unless you check via telephone 1st to make sure it really is necessary! Always check via telephone if something odd pops up on your banking screen. ALWAYS check to make sure that you are in a secure setting (https

before entering any information and to BLOCK all popups!

LESSON LEARNED

**Greebo** · 09-24-2010, 09:36 AM

I don't worry about it. Nothing is 100% secure - if **** happens I'll deal with it. As long as I do all I can to protect myself, I don't worry about things beyond my control.

**KimZ** · 09-24-2010, 09:55 AM

I use to be like that and then I became overly untrusting of everything when My CC number was stolen and used inside a prison! Yup they used it to make telephone calls and even order a TV for their family from Best Buy.... Not sure how you do that from in the prison walls but they did! Thank Goodness I check my Balances every day

**lparker** · 09-24-2010, 12:36 PM

Frugalfranny, if your bank has bill pay, you can pay everything online. They'll send out a check if it can't be sent electronically. You save postage.

**FrugalFred** · 10-02-2010, 01:12 PM

If your bank has a security breach, it could impact all clients, not just those with Online banking.

For me I would have a hard time giving up online banking. The convenience of doing transfers and online bill pay is worth it. With bill pay I don't pay postage, and the payment is received faster than relying on the postal system, and it's less hassle than writing a cheque. As well with the reference number there's proof that you paid it on time if there is a problem.

As far as security with online banking, it's just like real life, you have to be cautious. Bookmark your bank's site, and always go to your bank from that bookmark, and make sure the URL is correct before you log in. If your bank sends an email and tells you to click a link to log in, never click it. It may be a fake email, in a process known as "phising" where someone is trying to steal your credentials. If it doubt, call your bank.

I prefer to not sign up for automatic withdrawal, but instead prefer to "push" payments. That way if there's a bill I'm disputing it won't come out of my account, and I won't have unexpected withdrawals, and there's fewer places with my banking information.