5 common types of bank account fraud and how to protect yourself
Being scammed can have devastating effects on your financial life.
7 min read
Oct 27, 2022
EXPERTISE
- Banking
- Personal finance
- Credit cards
EDUCATION
- Bachelor’s degree in English, University of Illinois
- Master’s degree in journalism, Columbia College Chicago
Karen Bennett is a consumer banking reporter at Bankrate. She uses her finance writing background to help readers learn more about savings and checking accounts, CDs, and other financial matters.
Karen brings decades of writing and reporting experience to the table, including the roles of credit cards writer for travel website Million Mile Secrets and money and career writer for The Cheat Sheet. Her work has also appeared in USA Today, Illinois Legal Times, and several Chicago, Milwaukee, and Washington, D.C. newspapers. In addition, she’s worked in the areas of marketing and business development, and she was product manager for a consumer money-saving website.
When she’s not writing Bankrate articles, she can often be found cheering her kids on at soccer games, cooking and reading up on saving for retirement and other personal finance topics.
Karen's latest articles
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How to save money in college
Saving anything in college can seem impossible, but every little bit helps.
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4 must-have features for checking accounts
From no fees to online bill pay, here are the must-have checking account features.
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Are CDs safe?
All CDs have one thing in common: They’re among the safest places to park your cash.
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Pros and cons of community banks
Is a community bank right for you? Here’s what you need to know.
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Checking vs. savings account: What’s the difference?
Checking and savings accounts are different. Should you have one, the other — or both?
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National Savings Day: Here are 5 ways to start saving more money today
You can take better control of your finances by boosting your savings today.
4 min read Oct 12, 2022 -
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How to avoid a CD early withdrawal penalty
Withdrawing your money from a CD before the term ends can be costly.
4 min read Oct 05, 2022 -
How to use autopay to manage your finances
Keeping track of bills and payments can be difficult, here’s how to make it easier.
3 min read Oct 04, 2022 -
10 creative ways to save money
Whether you’re looking to build up your emergency fund or save for other financial goals, here’s how to do so creatively.
5 min read Oct 03, 2022 -
Automated teller machine (ATM): What it is and how to use one
ATMs are useful for depositing money, checking your balance, and more, but be aware of possible issues that may arise.
3 min read Sep 29, 2022 -
5 ways to save for an unexpected job loss
Here’s how to financially prepare for the possibility of sudden unemployment.
4 min read Sep 28, 2022 -
How to renew a certificate of deposit (CD)
Better to let a CD automatically renew or cash it in? Here’s a guide for those looking to renew.
4 min read Sep 19, 2022 -
What is a cash management account?
Here’s what to know about the checking and savings account alternative.
4 min read Sep 19, 2022
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Business checking vs. personal checking: How they compare
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a switch to business checking.
3 min read Nov 09, 2022 -
16 legitimate ways to find fast cash
Here are some places to look for a source of funds.
5 min read Nov 09, 2022 -
CDs vs. share certificates: What’s the difference?
Here are differences between CDs and share certificates, and which one to choose.
3 min read Nov 03, 2022 -
Walmart MoneyCenter: What it is and how to use it
Walmart MoneyCenter offers services like a checking account and money transfers.
3 min read Nov 03, 2022 -
11 pesky bank fees and how to avoid them
Steer clear of these common bank fees to keep your accounts from taking a hit.
7 min read Oct 28, 2022 -
5 things to know before opening a CD
A CD often earns a competitive, fixed rate. Here’s what to know before opening one.
6 min read Oct 28, 2022 -
How to choose the right savings account
Finding the right savings account consists of comparing rates, fees and more.
4 min read Oct 28, 2022 -
Pros and cons of jumbo CDs
Jumbo CDs pay a higher yield than other CDs. Here’s what to know before opening one.
3 min read Oct 27, 2022 -
What is a notary and what do they do?
A notary public witnesses and validates the signing of important documents.
2 min read Oct 27, 2022 -
What to do if a bank rejects you for a checking account
Your banking past has come back to haunt you. Here’s how to ask for a second chance.
3 min read Oct 27, 2022 -
Is it safe to link bank accounts?
Linking bank accounts is a way to make it easier to transact between the two.
5 min read Oct 24, 2022 -
6 top reasons to save your money
Most people know they should be saving a portion of their income, but they might not grasp all of the benefits of doing so. Saving is an important habit to get into for a number of reasons — it helps [...]
4 min read Oct 20, 2022 -
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8 banks that reimburse ATM fees
ATM fees can be nuisance that add up. Here are eight banks that don’t reimburse them.
3 min read Oct 13, 2022 -
How to become a millionaire: 7 steps to reach your goal
The advice is really simple, but reaching the goal is more challenging than it sounds.
5 min read Oct 12, 2022