I see where I made the error assuming the person had control of the account, but just for reference, it is not possible to steal someone's identity using their bank account number. This is just an identifier of an account.
In my country bank account transfers are the most common way to transfer money. I do it for random transactions, repaying people who bought me lunch, and all sorts of things. Anyone will give you their bank account number if you ask for it, and most people have theirs memorized.
The only thing someone could do if they got a hold of your account number would be that they can now send you money.
but they can't walk into a bank and withdraw money.
Depends on how you define withdraw. If you define it as filling out a withdrawal slip and giving to a teller, then probably correct. If you however mean in a generic sense taking the money from your account, then no, it’s certainly possible and not very hard, and all you need is account number.
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I see where I made the error assuming the person had control of the account, but just for reference, it is not possible to steal someone's identity using their bank account number. This is just an identifier of an account.
In my country bank account transfers are the most common way to transfer money. I do it for random transactions, repaying people who bought me lunch, and all sorts of things. Anyone will give you their bank account number if you ask for it, and most people have theirs memorized.
The only thing someone could do if they got a hold of your account number would be that they can now send you money.
Or withdraw all your money, if your account is drawn on a US (and many other countries) bank.
Someone can order checks in your name with your account and routing number plus address, but they can't walk into a bank and withdraw money.
Depends on how you define withdraw. If you define it as filling out a withdrawal slip and giving to a teller, then probably correct. If you however mean in a generic sense taking the money from your account, then no, it’s certainly possible and not very hard, and all you need is account number.