If you are going to use a bank account for your online transactions it makes sense to never keep more than $500
to $1000 in it at any one time. Why you ask? Well, it protects you from rather unscrupulous individuals out there.
Indeed, this especially makes sense if you are using an ATM/Credit Card combination to make your purchases. This
way no one can steal all your money or run your account out of money with fake or false charges.
Likewise, there are many who are becoming more and more careful with their online banking Internet only
accounts. It has been estimated by several consumer groups and the FTC that identity theft has increased to a point
that it has now surpassed illegal drug sales as the largest crime in terms of billions of dollars in the United
States.
Worse, with everyone giving away clues as to who they are and all about themselves online on blogs, and other
social networks, it’s far too easy for identity thieves to get the clues they need to circumvent personal security
information and thus, access your banking, credit, or account information. Having low balances keeps you from big
problems, and helps you stay within the banking safety zone, so you are not liable for the theft, although each
bank has different policies.
If you have only $500 to $1000 in the account that you use specifically for online purchases you are far less
likely to ever have an identity theft situation for which you lose your money and become solely liable. It’s not
easy protecting your money in the information age, but it does make sense to employ smart strategies to at least
mitigate the concerns, without completely walking away from the value of purchasing online, especially books,
gifts, or small items that you need. Indeed, I hope this will help you play your strategy online. Think on it.