As an individual bank customer nowadays you must be more cautious and pay serious attention at what happens with your account, AllBusiness.com advises.

Bank errors and the risk of identity theft call to be active and to take certain precautions. Moreover, changes in banking policy may lead to confusion. Here are some of the most common banking mistakes that you should aim to avoid:

1. Untimely examination of your bank statements. The biggest mistake in individual bankin is not to open and view the bank records when you receive them. This is the only way to find out if there is any error in your account or if the account balance is below the minimum, for which you will have to pay a fee. Separate a few moments to review your bank records.

2. Unnecessary payment of bank charges. Banking is a competitive business. There are banks that impose fees for various services for which others do not do it. Do not pay unnecessary fees just because you are too lazy, to check what other banks offer. Similarly, do not put up with lower interests on deposit if in another comfortable for you bank are offered higher ones.

3. Leaving traces. Laying out already unnecessary bank documents makes you an easy target for identity thieves and swindlers. If you make a mistake while filling in an import note, for example, do not leave it just like that on the desk and did not throw in the trash bin in the bank without tearing it to pieces in advance. You should proceed likewise with all bank documents, which you plan to leave. Cut them or tear them to small pieces.

4. Online banking in public places. Wireless Internet enables you to log into the global network even from your favorite facility. However, you should think well before proceeding to online banking from public places via wireless Internet. The degree of security is not the same as when you use your own wireless router.

5. Using simple password. First, do not use an obvious password like your date of birth, for example. Second, change your password periodically. Third, do not write your password, especially on something that is not at your home.

6. Not taking precautions when working with ATM. ATM machines can be of great help when you need cash. However, you should act smart and not record your PIN number, especially on your card. Likewise, do not dangle the money in front of the ATM or never use the device, if you somewhow feel physically threatened.

7. Signing of cheques, before you enter the bank. People do it constantly, to save time. However, if you loose a signed cheque, you may also lose the money. Sign your checks in the bank, even if it takes you more time.

8. Leaving the number of your bank account in a place visible to others. If you look at your bank statement in the office, collect it in your pocket or in your bag after you finish. This is true for all bank documents.

9. Presuming that you should take a loan from your bank. If you need a loan or are in the process of seeking mortgage loan, it is not necessarily to borrow from your bank. You can include it as an option, but in any case your must discover also the offers of the other banks.

10. Creating bad relationships with bank officials. No matter if you use online banking or do it in person in the bank, you must come to know the employees who serve customers. Get familiar with your branch manager and set understanding with the people responsible for your money.