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Is It Ok For A Bank To Send An Account Application (Prefilled With SS# And Birthdate) Through Email

Ltssharon
  |     |   472 posts since 2020

What would you prefer? How would you prefer to send it back to them after completely?

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3


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milty
  |     |   1,691 posts since 2018
It's a good question. I don't really know just how secure email is or is not. Many of the data breaches are due to insiders where there is little an individual can do to prevent. Some banks use docusign and others use secure messaging, but who knows just how secure those are. Since I consider it a given that much of my PII is already out there, the next best thing I can do regarding banking is to try to make sure the accounts are insured, besides applying a couple other recommended security practices. In the meantime, I still prefer speedy vs slow communication, because after all, I never would have gotten the APYs without DA's help and by sticking to local branches only.
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Ltssharon
  |     |   472 posts since 2020
How does sticking to local branches only help? Do you live in a big city?
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milty
  |     |   1,691 posts since 2018
I suppose it's not phrased well, but I meant I never would have gotten the APYs . . . by sticking to local branches only. That is, one needs to use internet banking to get the best rates.
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me1004
  |     |   1,381 posts since 2010
Yes, what would you prefer/suggest?

If they don't protect it with such as Docusign or other secure e-mail or method, then yes, it is out on the open internet. It's a long shor, but people -- very techy ones -- can intercept that.

I had done it via Dcusign and other secure method. But then I realized those are simply VPN-style security, and now I figure I can get as much out of using my own desktop Docusign at the same time as having the VPN turned on, I figure that would be double security.

But for incoming, that's another matter, yes. But, does the bank send it via their VPN, and if so, then it still is secure -- to the level that VPN offers. At one bank, they told me all their e-mail is sent through secure channels automatically. I don't know how true that is.
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Rickny
  |     |   1,299 posts since 2017
Fraud can happen anywhere:

I was on a 30 day Federal Grand Jury and heard numerous cases. A few were bank tellers who stole from customers.

Mail can be stolen from your mailbox. Also, don't use blue boxes to drop any important mail in. The keys are compromised and there are other ways to steal letters.

Email is safe as long as you establish the parties you are dealing with.

Online access. Have at least a 12 Character PW with numbers, caps and signs. Also, have dual factor authentication.
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