Online banking is convenient and has become increasingly available over the last five years, with more banks offering a wide range of online services. Today, you can transfer money between accounts, tracking your spending habits and even pay bills directly from your account through a banking website. Online banking websites use layers of security to protect account information, but fraud and theft can still happen.

Phishing scams involve emails or text messages sent to you regarding your bank account. The message is commonly some type of warning about your bank account and ends with a request for account information, such as your PIN number or debit card security number. If you fail to log out or clear cookies when you’re done doing online banking, a person remotely attacking your computer can get information.

You can take steps to secure your account. Use passwords that are difficult to guess and change the passwords regularly. Make sure you sign out of the account and clear your browser’s cookies. If you don’t log out of your account, another person using the computer after you might be able to go right to your account page by simply going to the website. Always have up to date antivirus software installed. Above all, use common sense: if you think something is wrong, contact your bank.