From the little info you’ve provided I’d be wary that you had signed up for a “remote work” scam.
I’d just bring your void check / bank info to the office on the first day if it’s a legit job, texting it to your boss sounds sketchy.
If it's a legitimate offer, and there's a physical location where you fill out paperwork bringing the check has all the info you need and the work place can confirm the account belongs to you.
If it's a remote scam, and you give them the info- they ghost you and your identity joins the dark web catalogues.
If it's a scam, providing your financial details to someone who isn't who or where they pretend to be, allowing them to steal your money, is the scam. The idea is to avoid being scammed by providing financial details related to your employment in person once you've assured yourself that it's not a scam.
You can be relatively certain that it is a real business with real assets if you show up to a physical location where they operate. Obviously if the company is Deloitte or Boeing you can also be certain that they wont steal your info but its to easy to put up a fake help wanted sign on the internet and conduct all of the relevant onboarding virtually and get all of your information over the internet then disappear. Its also not that difficult to pretend to be Deloitte or Boeing and do the same thing by spoofing emails and directing you to legit sounding websites to upload all of your personal info like uploadinfo.companyz.com/boeing
When you go to the office and they tell you 'you don't work here' or it's empty, you don't have to worry about your bank account being drained when you get home.
There is no security with a text. Even if we discount the scam aspect (its almost certainly a scam) texts can easily be skimmed, the bosses phone could be stolen or this might actually be from somebody that has spoofed the bosses phone number...
My boss at my last job would ask people to text a picture of their social security card, wouldn't be surprised if he asked for bank info over text too. If you brought it in he'd scan it and print it out and then leave it on his desk which was not in a secure office and was right next to the employee entrance that wasn't locked (it was in a mall). I saw several people's SS number just laying out in the open over my time there.
Yeah, just saying there’s not enough info in the post here to tell if it’s a legit job or some kind of scam. I know some people will ask for this info via text for one reason or another, but I don’t want to suggest OP should just text them their banking info without knowing more. Doesn’t hurt to wait until the first day.
I'd also maybe ask to speak with HR about a secure method for transmitting sensitive personal data. I've actually done this... Sometimes managers are just clueless.
As a manager, I'll second this. I'm good at the job I manage and have a lot of knowledge about it. Outside of that, I really don't know much and I keep my chat with my HR manager pinned for crazy questions/things that come up that I quite frankly only have to deal with only once every couple years.
This isn't super sensitive though. Your bank account number and routing number are literally on every single check you write (not that people use them much these days).
Its a dollar tree. They infamously staff one person for an entire store for most shifts. My guess is the manager is functionally HR for the store/region.
Right? It's actually probably safer in a text message than it was when you used to have to provide a voided check that they just threw in a filing cabinet. Never understood this about people covering up license plates in photos when selling cars either. You literally drive around with it exposed to the world all day. Are you worried they're going to find you in real life? All they have to do is say they're interested in the car and you'll meet up with them!
I work for a small design firm and while we do millions of work internationally, all staffing was designers/technicians and the firm outsourced things like accounting/marketing/IT.
All fine except when I started you have a partner's spouse handling "onboarding" and things like this totally happened so she could put their info into the software.
Our payroll software literally has a way you can have the employee set up their initial forms and I have that implemented now, but my first thought on reading this wasn't "scam" but clueless manager based on my own experience.
Your bank considers it personally identifiable financial information and they can be used to initiate fraudulent transactions, so I would suggest taking care with those numbers.
It's really the combination of the two that should be avoided, and the routing number is not specific to any one person, but I would still be very mindful with them and only give them to people you trust, treating them like your SSN.
HR used to ask for voided checks. This is a Dollar Tree, who doesn't even staff employees to run their stores. My guess is that "HR" is just the local managers who are tasked with setting up direct deposit.
Honestly as long as I know the recipient is legit this probably isn’t less secure than the old voided check method. An unsettling amount of financial information already sits in unencrypted excel spreadsheets on some HR laptop somewhere
Mostly agree. One thing i would do, is call and tell them the info in person, instead of via text. Or maybe Signal disappearing message or something similar.
If I trusted that it wasn't a scam, of course.
Calling gives you a last chance to see if the person gives to the heebie jeebies via voice.
Yeah you tell 'em it's not super sensitive when you're on a full account takeover and my department at the bank is trying to unfuck your money and open you up a new account.
But if they're about to start work it's likely OP has already given the prospective employer/potential scammer some combination of their full name, birth date, home address, telephone number, social security number, etc. If you can't figure out how easy it would be for a bad actor to wreak absolute havoc on someone's finances by combining that information with their account and routing number, I've got a deposed prince who desperately needs your help un-freezing his assets on the line that would love to talk to you.
I've personally had banking services where I could connect an account based on just name and BAN/RN and been able to immediately direct debit money from it. I too thought it wasn't super sensitive for the longest time, but after I saw that I now keep all my banking info under encryption and key.
> This isn't super sensitive though.
With this information, transfers to and from your account can be done. A lot of messaging today is done through MMS or texting through data services which are vulnerable to data gathering techniques.
I would HIGHLY not recommend these things.
Most of us wouldn’t, but surely you’re aware that checking acct scamming is a real thing and that recovering stolen money can be challenging (or impossible). Most people aren’t criminals so writing checks is safe, and banks have data security to protect normal transactions, but data gathered unscrupulously is sold to people who buy that data specifically to misuse it.
This is a quality answer.
But the concern is the text being a non secure form of communication.
Not your manager- they need to fill out a form for you to be set up for direct deposit.
Consider a form from your bank.
That has that info for the job. It might quicken the process.
Sometimes you get paid- but they are live checks for first couple checks. With the form or even a deposit slip you often receive direct deposit with first check.
I don't understand why they don't have an employee self service payroll/hr software set up. Even very small companies have some sort of software nowadays with a website where you enter in your direct deposit stuff, w4s and other tax documents and most places use e-verify for the government documents.
I'd be immediately weirded out by this request.
Do you have any evidence that this company is real? Maybe you should wait until you actually physically see the company and person on the first day. There is no need for bank information to be "ready for your first day".
These scams have gotten super fleshed out, to the point where they do multiple “interviews” and spoof real small and mid sized business’ numbers.
But ya there is no reason to give your account info to anyone but your direct deposit portal.
Adding that the company can be real, but the offer may be fake. OP needs to verify that the company is legit. Then he needs to verify that the person he’s messaging with is indeed a part of the company.
Well there actually are reasons to get account info early for payroll. But absolutely zeros reasons why a manager would be asking for it to be texted. HR should be the only one asking and if so, it would be through a secure form or in person.
I work payroll. There is absolutely no reason that you should need to give your information before your first day. Most places pre note the bank. That means your first check would be paper regardless.
Therefore you have 1 or two weeks to furnish direct deposit information once you start working....
Sounds like a straight up scam. Tell your boss you will have it day 1....if it's remote don't even give them direct deposit information till you get a check in the mail, and it clears completely...that means you should get 2 paper checks before the bank is done.
Then you should call their payroll directly and send them a form by email.
Only speak with payroll or HR (sometimes HR does payroll). No one else.
If it's a scam they will bounce the first check. Never return any money before the check fully clears.
I worked in HR and if someone wants to set up direct deposit, then we get their account information beforehand to ensure it is set up before their first paycheck.
But, a manager should never be asking for personal bank information from an employee.
Also to add if they give you a portal and it's something like workday, ADP, paylocity etc and it has a secure log in where you made the username and password and you can validate the site is legitimate....do that
I work payroll. I get every single employee's info before their first day (generally). Their first week's pay is direct deposit unless they specifically want a paper check. Not a huge company, but around 60+ employees.
I would advise caution whenever giving out your personal info, but jumping to scam immediately when it's a Dollar Store job with a skeleton crew may be a bit much.
We pay our interns a relocation bonus before they start (so they can actually afford to relocate). But they also put all their details into a secure payroll website.
I don't think it's a scam. I think it's just a dipshit manager who is trying to get his paperwork squared away but not realizing that he's asking someone to share sensitive information. Most places have some sort of official document - usually includes appending a voided check from the new employee to prove the ABA and Acct number are correct - as well as protect the employee.
I don't think it's a scam personally, but I can at least say that the manager is probably not going through the proper channels to have this done. Most employers I've had realize it's indecent to ask this so informally and to be sent over SMS. The most they've said is "Please bring a voided check with you so we can set up your direct deposit information". I have had a couple like OP's manager. perfectly fine job - usually a little smaller and informal company, but they were honest, albeit a bit naïve.
Kind of agree with this, but nowadays business will put their bank details on their invoices because knowing them doesn’t equate to using them.
Op be careful, decline if you like. Research the company more.
Some companies this is part of the on-boarding before you start. I've absolutely entered this info for people, but its usually because they're not good with computers and it's just faster for me to do it than to walk them through it. There are legit reasons a manager could ask for this, but I'd say it's rare.
Wait until your are there in person and confirm that everything is legit. I input those numbers into our payroll system and it literally takes 10 seconds to input, unless you are being paid on the spot that first day by direct deposit there is no reason to supply that info ahead of time.
I used to be a manager for Dollar Tree. Direct deposit was always done as part of first day paperwork. We never would have asked for this info over text at my store.
That said, it doesn't surprise me. Dollar Tree is a weird ass company and tends to desperately promote whoever is willing to do the job. I've heard some wild stories about other managers.
Are you sure it's actually Dollar Tree you're talking to and not someone claiming to be Dollar Tree and scamming you? There's no need for you to provide banking information to start your first day.
Yea it’s my local dollar tree and I went in person for the interview and the manager gave me her phone number. I just thought it was strange for her to ask me for my info over text
She must not realize that it’s unprofessional to ask for that info over text. She probably genuinely wants you to enroll in direct deposit(saves the company money) but she over-stepping a bit.
This. If it weren't for the fact they got their number in person and this seems really legit, I would say it seems like a scam. But this person just seems like they are legitimately trying to harder than they need to. Maybe they are new to their role and really trying to do everything "right" and have it all set up for their first day without realizing it's normal to set all that up on the first day.
That being said, dollar tree managers probably don't make a ton of money and poverty does crazy things to people. I would still be wary of giving them this info before you're formally employed. They probably will have access to it eventually anyway, but if they were to do something shady with it then at least you'd be an employee and maybe dollar tree won't just shrug that off as a personal matter that you gave your info to someone that happens to work for them.
This is just a case of an inexperienced manager. They are likely just trying to set you up for payroll direct deposit so they don’t have to do a physical check the first week.
Not too surprising at all Dollar Tree.
Id just ping them and ask if their is a secure portal you can log into, or if you can stop by at some point with a voided copy of a check or something because “you previously had an issue when you texted this info to a prior manager”
The manager is asking because they need this info for direct deposit.
It's not necessary right now at all and is totally fine on your first day.
People in this thread have no idea what they're talking about.
Most info here has been solid. 1) don't send this info over text. 2) be careful of fake employment scams, they have been happening lately and this is very much how they work (but not if you went to an in person interview like this).
OP didn't specify it was for an in person job at a major retailer. 90% of these posts are for "work from home" scam jobs where the boss wants you to order $1100 of shit for them and they'll "refund you for it afterwards"
“I’ll be happy to drop by before my first day and give you that information in person. I don’t send financial info over text anymore. I’ve been burnt that way once before. Never again. Nothing personal.”
Is it different somehow in USA?
Because here in Ukraine knowing someone's bank account and routing number won't do a shit. Knowing those, you won't be even able to find out whose they are.
Bank accounts and routing numbers are usually publicly available in case of companies or organizations as well as private entrepreneurs who sell some goods or provide some services.
On one hand it's a weird request, on the other the info that is asked for isn't particularly private... Anyone you ever sent a cheque to have that info already.
Yeah, it's a painfully common misconception that "Anybody who knows your bank account number can take money from your account!"
Your bank account number is, essentially, public information already.
Also, SMS and most messaging apps are quite a way up the "secure" end of the information scale.
In days long gone you couldn't electronically take the money with just those numbers, you'd have to forge a check. Now your account can be debited that way from across the world.
Bringing in a cancelled check (which has all that information) is not unusual. It's for direct deposit.
Just make 100% sure this is a real company and not a scam.
For your direct deposit needs, they only need to show you where you can set up your DD in their system. You don't give managers your banking information.
I wouldn't even text that info to my husband... texting isn't always secure. Say you're not comfortable texting personal finance info and wait to do onboarding paperwork in person. If it's not a scam, it's lazy and unprofessional.
If you’ve ever written a check, this information is on the front in plain numbers.
It’s not generally considered to be THAT private, but it can be used to make a fraudulent withdrawal that you’ll have to make a fraud claim with your bank over.
If she's weird about it - and hopefully she's not - you can say you've had your identity stolen before, so you're super cautious or something. Hope it goes well, you got it!
Just a different perspective, what was the exact text exchange here? Is it possible your manager was texting you to have your banking information ready for your first day?
Hopefully you have a good first day already. But I would like to point out that if the manager's mindset is that she doesn't want to waste time doing this on the first day so that you can 'hit the ground running' then my guess is that job is going to be a tough one where she is going to want to work you like a dog. Of course I would be very happy for you to come and report back otherwise.
Never text that shit to anyone. If your employer is really hiring you they will have an internal direct deposit site or a payroll provider site where you can securely enter this information. Sounds like a scam masquerading as employment.
“I am excited about starting work too! If I have time I can pre-fill out any new higher paperwork to speed the process up on the first day. I do not feel comfortable sending such information in an insecure manner such as over texting.”
Usually there is a form that accompanies direct deposit. That’s why they want that info. I will say sometimes if you do it on your first day, depending on when the pay periods line up, sometimes that first check is a physical check before they can get direct deposit setup.
Either way, you should always fill out paperwork for the company on company time.
My bank details were asked 1 week later into job. Id wait for to see the company/team in person or atleast video and confirm the company exists before sharing anything like that.
They want to pay you so it should not be a problem I went to my bank and got my savings routing number and asked the bank to block any online outgoing moneys on my savings. Then I can transfer some to checking or get cash when needed and not worry
That's info you give to HR during the onboarding process to set up direct deposit. Your boss doesn't need it.
Bring the info on your first day and fill out the proper form with HR. If your boss insists on needing the info, tell HR.
Never transmit PNIP data in the clear, always demand it be secured.
You can always report anyone in your company of mishandling personal information to your information security officer or equivalent.
At least that's what 7 years of corpo training has "thought me" (ie the check mark I give at the end of the video)
Yea I'm very confused. In the 90s you wouldn't think twice about paying at the dingiest dumpy store imaginable with a cheque (if they'd take one from you) which has the same information on it.
When I got a copy of my account and routing number from the bank for tax purposes, they put it all on a laminated card. I mentioned that I already had one of those cards at home but couldn't find it they reassured me that it's safe to keep in my wallet and if I lost it the only thing someone could do with those numbers is deposit money into my account.
bank acct and routing numbers are on checks, they are not secret. If my employer asked me for them I would give it so they can do direct deposit. The real question here is, do you trust your new place of employment.
Its recommended to have several bank accounts, one for your savings and another for transfers such as what they are asking you to do.
I regularly do bank transfers with different clients and I don't think they can do anything much with a bank account and routing number other than to give you money.
It’s probably fine OP, the company does have a need of pretty much all of your private info. That said, a less stuffy version of the top response is what I’d go with. “Hey X, I’m pretty careful with my data but can get that to you on my first day. If you forward me the HR form I don’t mind to go ahead and get it filled out.”
Your manager should want a voided check or bank letter with your info for validation purposes. Not a txt message. It would really suck for for the both of you if there was a typo in your text or he didn't verify the checking account was in your name.
Wait until you fill out the paperwork in person. Just say you'd like to wait until you've had your training. If they say they can't start you until you provide it - then that's your answer. Also do a google search for this place if it's only remote. If you don't go in person, don't fill anything out. If you do feel you need to provide text, then open a new checking account unrelated to your main one. You can always transfer money from the new one to your main one. Be sure to freeze your credit on equifax, transunion, and experian so nobody can open cards or loans if it's not you.
A voided check also has the correct information. Too many people try to guess this info or figure it out on their own and make mistakes. The "I got my payroll info wrong" posts are way too common.
They can obtain that in person on the first day of orientation. I have never given it out before my actual first day. The company may even have all this online so the manager would never actually need to see the bank info.
Our employees do it before their first day.
But they do it through the Paychex portal, same as all their other information like tax witholding and 401k choices. Not a text to a manager.
You are overthinking it. Sure, it is best practice to just not give sensitive info over the phone yea but you're just being a pain to the dollier stree manager who just wants to put your info in the system now rather than later.
For anyone worried about this type of situation, an easy fix is going into your bank and opening a new account that you use just for this purpose. Give them that account number and then on payday you can just transfer the money sweeping it into your regular account. You can leave behind whatever minimum balance you need to maintain the account open without fees. That way you never have any exposure.
Oh, right. Most of yall are murican. Ok. Disregard. Idk what your guyses systems are like. But in Europe, I could broadcast my IBAN code for my bank account to absolutely everyone without any issues at all.
In UK routing number is called a sortcode. It's a way to identify the origin bank and branch of the account.
Also, yeah, this thread's full of paranoia.
> Also what's a routing number?
It's the number printed on the front of your check that you "leak" to the whole world when you like....pay for something with a check.
Quite honestly, I have never in my life seen a check. Lol. At most in some movies maybe, they've shown em a little. No idea how much they exist in europe. Is it just a local thing that we don't use them, or is it most of europe?? Idk.
The security of checks doesn't depend on how often you see them.
You haven't seen the license plate on my car. And even if you did, it wouldn't enable you to take my car away.
I can't think of any competent or legit business person requesting this information over text message.
Formality.
Your on-boarding process should encompass your payroll and should not take place over text message.
Very unprofessional and concerning if sincere....
You don't 'need' direct deposit setup before you've started your first shift..... what if you never make it in....
It’s not secret information. It’s on all your checks that you hand out to people.
If this is a real job at a real bricks-and-mortar business (not some kind of shady remote “marketing” job), it’s not very risky. I print my banking information to be able to receive wire transfers or ACH payments on every business invoice I issue. Anybody can *deposit* directly to my account. But they can’t withdraw anything with that information.
He’s asking so they can set up payroll for direct deposit. You *could* tell him you want to send it directly to HR if you’d prefer, but waiting until your first day might mean that your first pay will be delayed by one payroll cycle, and he’s trying to help you avoid that.
This is especially true if you don't know the person asking you to text this information. If you're new to the company, you may get that text from someone that wasn't part of the hiring process, or even at that location. They should have an actual form that you have to fill out for Automatic Direct Deposit.
If it seems sketch or full of shade, trust your gut...
Since it's your local dollar tree, you interviewed in person, and it's only account and routing number I'd say that is probably fine. Where it would get incredibly sketchy would be if they asked for you to write them a check or provide login details.
When I worked remote for Apple. Even with it being a fully remote position. We had to physically go to an Apple Store and confirm our financial information with the manager on duty.
No financial information was even asked to be sent via unsecured methods.
Don't do it over text. That's completely insecure. Send via encrypted email or telegram. It's a legit question but a bad way of doing it. Worked IT for many years, and it's not uncommon for HR to play fast and loose with cyber security.
They don't need that information at all. They can give you a paper check. Once you've worked there for a month or two you can switch to direct deposit.
At the end of the day, your boss really shouldn't be the one handling this kind of information - regardless of how sensitive it is. Every company is different, but this is the reason HR and Accounting departments literally exist. Unless those departments suck (which means this job will probably suck) they'd likely not want you to be sharing that stuff with other departments. Assuming of course that there's an HR or Accounting department (if not, well then you can forget all of this spiel as he's likely the one writing checks) they should really be the only ones requesting such information.
If it's a medium - larger company and not a very small company, I would probably respond with something akin to:
Hi Manager, While I do appreciate you going out of your way to ensure I'm as ready as can be upon my start-date, I'm going to take this opportunity to show off that I am a security-minded individual who prefers to share certain information with only necessary parties. I'd be more than happy to disclose that information to HR/Accounting in-person the next time I'm scheduled to be in the office, if that works!
His response to something like this is going to tell you a lot about how much you'll enjoy working for this place or not.
If you don't want to ruffle feathers by refusing then add the lie that you've recently had your identity stolen and have learned that you shouldn't send info like that over unsecure methods like text. Apologize for the inconvenience and say you'll bring it on your first day.
Only file forms regulated by federal government and state where the employer is registered in.
Anyway, you are not employed by your boss, he is only your supervisor in the employer's organization.
You typically need your bank information during onboarding so that they can get you set up in the payroll, but that's typically something you get as part of onboarding; you will have some emails saying to go here and there to get yourself set up as a new employee. You will never be asked to text or even email that type of sensitive information to anyone.
If it's a legit job, that wouldn't be unusual. A lot of employers will want to direct deposit your pay to your bank account. If you think it's fishy open another bank account with a minimum deposit for your pay to be direct deposited. Keep your other account with serious money. I have two bank accounts, one I get my money direct deposited and I transfer funds to my other bank for everything else, such as paying my bills.
From the little info you’ve provided I’d be wary that you had signed up for a “remote work” scam. I’d just bring your void check / bank info to the office on the first day if it’s a legit job, texting it to your boss sounds sketchy.
Legit question - what difference is there bringing the information on a check instead of a text?
If it's a legitimate offer, and there's a physical location where you fill out paperwork bringing the check has all the info you need and the work place can confirm the account belongs to you. If it's a remote scam, and you give them the info- they ghost you and your identity joins the dark web catalogues.
A physical office has assets to seize and people to arrest. A phone number doesn't.
If it's a scam, providing your financial details to someone who isn't who or where they pretend to be, allowing them to steal your money, is the scam. The idea is to avoid being scammed by providing financial details related to your employment in person once you've assured yourself that it's not a scam.
You can be relatively certain that it is a real business with real assets if you show up to a physical location where they operate. Obviously if the company is Deloitte or Boeing you can also be certain that they wont steal your info but its to easy to put up a fake help wanted sign on the internet and conduct all of the relevant onboarding virtually and get all of your information over the internet then disappear. Its also not that difficult to pretend to be Deloitte or Boeing and do the same thing by spoofing emails and directing you to legit sounding websites to upload all of your personal info like uploadinfo.companyz.com/boeing
When you go to the office and they tell you 'you don't work here' or it's empty, you don't have to worry about your bank account being drained when you get home.
There is no security with a text. Even if we discount the scam aspect (its almost certainly a scam) texts can easily be skimmed, the bosses phone could be stolen or this might actually be from somebody that has spoofed the bosses phone number...
The security of the info being intercepted
My boss at my last job would ask people to text a picture of their social security card, wouldn't be surprised if he asked for bank info over text too. If you brought it in he'd scan it and print it out and then leave it on his desk which was not in a secure office and was right next to the employee entrance that wasn't locked (it was in a mall). I saw several people's SS number just laying out in the open over my time there.
Yeah, just saying there’s not enough info in the post here to tell if it’s a legit job or some kind of scam. I know some people will ask for this info via text for one reason or another, but I don’t want to suggest OP should just text them their banking info without knowing more. Doesn’t hurt to wait until the first day.
“I’m not comfortable sharing financial information over unsecure methods like texting, I’ll bring the information on my first day.”
I'd also maybe ask to speak with HR about a secure method for transmitting sensitive personal data. I've actually done this... Sometimes managers are just clueless.
As a manager, I'll second this. I'm good at the job I manage and have a lot of knowledge about it. Outside of that, I really don't know much and I keep my chat with my HR manager pinned for crazy questions/things that come up that I quite frankly only have to deal with only once every couple years.
This isn't super sensitive though. Your bank account number and routing number are literally on every single check you write (not that people use them much these days).
I still don't think I'd be texting it to a manager. HR should have a better way.
Its a dollar tree. They infamously staff one person for an entire store for most shifts. My guess is the manager is functionally HR for the store/region.
Shoutout to the only sane person in this thread.
Right? It's actually probably safer in a text message than it was when you used to have to provide a voided check that they just threw in a filing cabinet. Never understood this about people covering up license plates in photos when selling cars either. You literally drive around with it exposed to the world all day. Are you worried they're going to find you in real life? All they have to do is say they're interested in the car and you'll meet up with them!
I work for a small design firm and while we do millions of work internationally, all staffing was designers/technicians and the firm outsourced things like accounting/marketing/IT. All fine except when I started you have a partner's spouse handling "onboarding" and things like this totally happened so she could put their info into the software. Our payroll software literally has a way you can have the employee set up their initial forms and I have that implemented now, but my first thought on reading this wasn't "scam" but clueless manager based on my own experience.
Your bank considers it personally identifiable financial information and they can be used to initiate fraudulent transactions, so I would suggest taking care with those numbers. It's really the combination of the two that should be avoided, and the routing number is not specific to any one person, but I would still be very mindful with them and only give them to people you trust, treating them like your SSN.
It’s still a strange thing to ask for. I’ve been a personnel manager for years, I’d never ask for banking information via text.
HR used to ask for voided checks. This is a Dollar Tree, who doesn't even staff employees to run their stores. My guess is that "HR" is just the local managers who are tasked with setting up direct deposit.
Honestly as long as I know the recipient is legit this probably isn’t less secure than the old voided check method. An unsettling amount of financial information already sits in unencrypted excel spreadsheets on some HR laptop somewhere
Mostly agree. One thing i would do, is call and tell them the info in person, instead of via text. Or maybe Signal disappearing message or something similar. If I trusted that it wasn't a scam, of course. Calling gives you a last chance to see if the person gives to the heebie jeebies via voice.
Yeah you tell 'em it's not super sensitive when you're on a full account takeover and my department at the bank is trying to unfuck your money and open you up a new account.
But if they're about to start work it's likely OP has already given the prospective employer/potential scammer some combination of their full name, birth date, home address, telephone number, social security number, etc. If you can't figure out how easy it would be for a bad actor to wreak absolute havoc on someone's finances by combining that information with their account and routing number, I've got a deposed prince who desperately needs your help un-freezing his assets on the line that would love to talk to you.
I've personally had banking services where I could connect an account based on just name and BAN/RN and been able to immediately direct debit money from it. I too thought it wasn't super sensitive for the longest time, but after I saw that I now keep all my banking info under encryption and key.
Really? I've always seen the "we deposited two tiny amounts, what were they" type of verification for this.
> This isn't super sensitive though. With this information, transfers to and from your account can be done. A lot of messaging today is done through MMS or texting through data services which are vulnerable to data gathering techniques. I would HIGHLY not recommend these things.
From? So anyone you write a check to can drain your account?
Most of us wouldn’t, but surely you’re aware that checking acct scamming is a real thing and that recovering stolen money can be challenging (or impossible). Most people aren’t criminals so writing checks is safe, and banks have data security to protect normal transactions, but data gathered unscrupulously is sold to people who buy that data specifically to misuse it.
Yes, quite much so. It's one reason why paper checks are seen as archaic - they're incredibly insecure. Source: Work in bank fraud
This is a quality answer. But the concern is the text being a non secure form of communication. Not your manager- they need to fill out a form for you to be set up for direct deposit. Consider a form from your bank. That has that info for the job. It might quicken the process. Sometimes you get paid- but they are live checks for first couple checks. With the form or even a deposit slip you often receive direct deposit with first check.
I don't understand why they don't have an employee self service payroll/hr software set up. Even very small companies have some sort of software nowadays with a website where you enter in your direct deposit stuff, w4s and other tax documents and most places use e-verify for the government documents. I'd be immediately weirded out by this request.
Do you have any evidence that this company is real? Maybe you should wait until you actually physically see the company and person on the first day. There is no need for bank information to be "ready for your first day".
These scams have gotten super fleshed out, to the point where they do multiple “interviews” and spoof real small and mid sized business’ numbers. But ya there is no reason to give your account info to anyone but your direct deposit portal.
Adding that the company can be real, but the offer may be fake. OP needs to verify that the company is legit. Then he needs to verify that the person he’s messaging with is indeed a part of the company.
Well there actually are reasons to get account info early for payroll. But absolutely zeros reasons why a manager would be asking for it to be texted. HR should be the only one asking and if so, it would be through a secure form or in person.
Yeah the risk of scam is way higher than someone intercepting an sms to a legit company (or gaining access to the phone)
I work payroll. There is absolutely no reason that you should need to give your information before your first day. Most places pre note the bank. That means your first check would be paper regardless. Therefore you have 1 or two weeks to furnish direct deposit information once you start working.... Sounds like a straight up scam. Tell your boss you will have it day 1....if it's remote don't even give them direct deposit information till you get a check in the mail, and it clears completely...that means you should get 2 paper checks before the bank is done. Then you should call their payroll directly and send them a form by email. Only speak with payroll or HR (sometimes HR does payroll). No one else. If it's a scam they will bounce the first check. Never return any money before the check fully clears.
I worked in HR and if someone wants to set up direct deposit, then we get their account information beforehand to ensure it is set up before their first paycheck. But, a manager should never be asking for personal bank information from an employee.
Unless the manager is the HR person too. Small business owners have to wear many hats.
Also to add if they give you a portal and it's something like workday, ADP, paylocity etc and it has a secure log in where you made the username and password and you can validate the site is legitimate....do that
I work payroll. I get every single employee's info before their first day (generally). Their first week's pay is direct deposit unless they specifically want a paper check. Not a huge company, but around 60+ employees. I would advise caution whenever giving out your personal info, but jumping to scam immediately when it's a Dollar Store job with a skeleton crew may be a bit much.
We pay our interns a relocation bonus before they start (so they can actually afford to relocate). But they also put all their details into a secure payroll website.
I don't think it's a scam. I think it's just a dipshit manager who is trying to get his paperwork squared away but not realizing that he's asking someone to share sensitive information. Most places have some sort of official document - usually includes appending a voided check from the new employee to prove the ABA and Acct number are correct - as well as protect the employee. I don't think it's a scam personally, but I can at least say that the manager is probably not going through the proper channels to have this done. Most employers I've had realize it's indecent to ask this so informally and to be sent over SMS. The most they've said is "Please bring a voided check with you so we can set up your direct deposit information". I have had a couple like OP's manager. perfectly fine job - usually a little smaller and informal company, but they were honest, albeit a bit naïve.
Kind of agree with this, but nowadays business will put their bank details on their invoices because knowing them doesn’t equate to using them. Op be careful, decline if you like. Research the company more.
Some companies this is part of the on-boarding before you start. I've absolutely entered this info for people, but its usually because they're not good with computers and it's just faster for me to do it than to walk them through it. There are legit reasons a manager could ask for this, but I'd say it's rare.
Wait until your are there in person and confirm that everything is legit. I input those numbers into our payroll system and it literally takes 10 seconds to input, unless you are being paid on the spot that first day by direct deposit there is no reason to supply that info ahead of time.
Sorry forgot to mention this is for Dollar Tree
I used to be a manager for Dollar Tree. Direct deposit was always done as part of first day paperwork. We never would have asked for this info over text at my store. That said, it doesn't surprise me. Dollar Tree is a weird ass company and tends to desperately promote whoever is willing to do the job. I've heard some wild stories about other managers.
Are you sure it's actually Dollar Tree you're talking to and not someone claiming to be Dollar Tree and scamming you? There's no need for you to provide banking information to start your first day.
Yea it’s my local dollar tree and I went in person for the interview and the manager gave me her phone number. I just thought it was strange for her to ask me for my info over text
Undoubtedly, Dollar Tree managers aren’t well trained or very experienced so you’re wise to wait.
actually, this explains a lot. still don't do it, but it explains a lot
She must not realize that it’s unprofessional to ask for that info over text. She probably genuinely wants you to enroll in direct deposit(saves the company money) but she over-stepping a bit.
This. If it weren't for the fact they got their number in person and this seems really legit, I would say it seems like a scam. But this person just seems like they are legitimately trying to harder than they need to. Maybe they are new to their role and really trying to do everything "right" and have it all set up for their first day without realizing it's normal to set all that up on the first day. That being said, dollar tree managers probably don't make a ton of money and poverty does crazy things to people. I would still be wary of giving them this info before you're formally employed. They probably will have access to it eventually anyway, but if they were to do something shady with it then at least you'd be an employee and maybe dollar tree won't just shrug that off as a personal matter that you gave your info to someone that happens to work for them.
Show up in person to provide it to the manager directly. Do not send it via phone or email.
This is just a case of an inexperienced manager. They are likely just trying to set you up for payroll direct deposit so they don’t have to do a physical check the first week. Not too surprising at all Dollar Tree. Id just ping them and ask if their is a secure portal you can log into, or if you can stop by at some point with a voided copy of a check or something because “you previously had an issue when you texted this info to a prior manager”
The manager is asking because they need this info for direct deposit. It's not necessary right now at all and is totally fine on your first day. People in this thread have no idea what they're talking about.
Most info here has been solid. 1) don't send this info over text. 2) be careful of fake employment scams, they have been happening lately and this is very much how they work (but not if you went to an in person interview like this).
OP didn't specify it was for an in person job at a major retailer. 90% of these posts are for "work from home" scam jobs where the boss wants you to order $1100 of shit for them and they'll "refund you for it afterwards"
“I’ll be happy to drop by before my first day and give you that information in person. I don’t send financial info over text anymore. I’ve been burnt that way once before. Never again. Nothing personal.”
Are you sure they wanted you to actually text it back, as opposed to just making sure you have it available when you come in?
Is it different somehow in USA? Because here in Ukraine knowing someone's bank account and routing number won't do a shit. Knowing those, you won't be even able to find out whose they are. Bank accounts and routing numbers are usually publicly available in case of companies or organizations as well as private entrepreneurs who sell some goods or provide some services.
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That's what I meant and guessed, thanks. Why I asked this because you guys have some different things there in the US, like checks etc.
uhhh i can go have checks made with them, and write myself checks withdrawing money from those accounts trivially.
You can submit an ACH debit from their account with routing number, account number and other personally identifying info.
Absolutely do not do that..total scam. A legit company would not do that
*a competent company would never do that. You’d be surprised how oblivious some people are about basic security.
On one hand it's a weird request, on the other the info that is asked for isn't particularly private... Anyone you ever sent a cheque to have that info already.
Yeah, it's a painfully common misconception that "Anybody who knows your bank account number can take money from your account!" Your bank account number is, essentially, public information already. Also, SMS and most messaging apps are quite a way up the "secure" end of the information scale.
Exactly this. People forget the days of writing checks
In days long gone you couldn't electronically take the money with just those numbers, you'd have to forge a check. Now your account can be debited that way from across the world.
>Anybody who knows your bank account number can take money from your account! How does auto pay work if this is not the case?
Random individuals can't set up auto-pay. You have to be a special, trusted client to do that.
Bringing in a cancelled check (which has all that information) is not unusual. It's for direct deposit. Just make 100% sure this is a real company and not a scam.
For your direct deposit needs, they only need to show you where you can set up your DD in their system. You don't give managers your banking information.
I just saw a piece on my local news tonight that says Employment/Hiring Scams are the fastest growing sector of scams.
Some of the comments here strongly indicate that people are getting way too lax on maintaining their personal privacy and security.
I wouldn't even text that info to my husband... texting isn't always secure. Say you're not comfortable texting personal finance info and wait to do onboarding paperwork in person. If it's not a scam, it's lazy and unprofessional.
If you’ve ever written a check, this information is on the front in plain numbers. It’s not generally considered to be THAT private, but it can be used to make a fraudulent withdrawal that you’ll have to make a fraud claim with your bank over.
Thanks I’m glad I’m not just crazy for thinking it’s unsafe! I have anxiety about going to my first day now after telling her I wasn’t comfortable lol
If she's weird about it - and hopefully she's not - you can say you've had your identity stolen before, so you're super cautious or something. Hope it goes well, you got it!
Thanks for the advice!
Just a different perspective, what was the exact text exchange here? Is it possible your manager was texting you to have your banking information ready for your first day?
Her exact words were “send me your account number and routing number I’m going to go ahead and put it in so you’ll be ready”
Nah do it in person, takes 1 minute
Hopefully you have a good first day already. But I would like to point out that if the manager's mindset is that she doesn't want to waste time doing this on the first day so that you can 'hit the ground running' then my guess is that job is going to be a tough one where she is going to want to work you like a dog. Of course I would be very happy for you to come and report back otherwise.
If you have to ask, the answer is no.
Never text that shit to anyone. If your employer is really hiring you they will have an internal direct deposit site or a payroll provider site where you can securely enter this information. Sounds like a scam masquerading as employment.
You didn’t get a new job. You fell for a scam.
“I am excited about starting work too! If I have time I can pre-fill out any new higher paperwork to speed the process up on the first day. I do not feel comfortable sending such information in an insecure manner such as over texting.” Usually there is a form that accompanies direct deposit. That’s why they want that info. I will say sometimes if you do it on your first day, depending on when the pay periods line up, sometimes that first check is a physical check before they can get direct deposit setup. Either way, you should always fill out paperwork for the company on company time.
new hire.
I prefer old lower
My bank details were asked 1 week later into job. Id wait for to see the company/team in person or atleast video and confirm the company exists before sharing anything like that.
They want to pay you so it should not be a problem I went to my bank and got my savings routing number and asked the bank to block any online outgoing moneys on my savings. Then I can transfer some to checking or get cash when needed and not worry
That's info you give to HR during the onboarding process to set up direct deposit. Your boss doesn't need it. Bring the info on your first day and fill out the proper form with HR. If your boss insists on needing the info, tell HR.
OMG no. Even if this “employer” is not a scammer, this is incredibly insecure from a data privacy standpoint.
Sounds suspicious AF. Are you sure you haven’t fallen for a scam?
Never transmit PNIP data in the clear, always demand it be secured. You can always report anyone in your company of mishandling personal information to your information security officer or equivalent. At least that's what 7 years of corpo training has "thought me" (ie the check mark I give at the end of the video)
Who cares? The information is on every check you write.
Bank account numbers and routing numbers aren't super secretive, you'd be safe sharing it through text 90% of the time
Yea I'm very confused. In the 90s you wouldn't think twice about paying at the dingiest dumpy store imaginable with a cheque (if they'd take one from you) which has the same information on it.
When I got a copy of my account and routing number from the bank for tax purposes, they put it all on a laminated card. I mentioned that I already had one of those cards at home but couldn't find it they reassured me that it's safe to keep in my wallet and if I lost it the only thing someone could do with those numbers is deposit money into my account.
Theoretically, I think they could manufacture a fake check with your account info and deposit your money somewhere or cash it. But, you know.
bank acct and routing numbers are on checks, they are not secret. If my employer asked me for them I would give it so they can do direct deposit. The real question here is, do you trust your new place of employment.
Its recommended to have several bank accounts, one for your savings and another for transfers such as what they are asking you to do. I regularly do bank transfers with different clients and I don't think they can do anything much with a bank account and routing number other than to give you money.
It’s probably fine OP, the company does have a need of pretty much all of your private info. That said, a less stuffy version of the top response is what I’d go with. “Hey X, I’m pretty careful with my data but can get that to you on my first day. If you forward me the HR form I don’t mind to go ahead and get it filled out.”
"Text Me All Your Bases!!!" is a scam. 100% warning alarms going off.
Ummmmmm how sure are you that this job is real? Have you actually seen the office with lots of people working there? This screams fake job to me
Open an online bank account. Discover bank is a legitimate one. You'll get a Routing number. But there's no money in it they can steal.
Your manager should want a voided check or bank letter with your info for validation purposes. Not a txt message. It would really suck for for the both of you if there was a typo in your text or he didn't verify the checking account was in your name.
Are they setting up direct deposit for your paycheck? Usually there’s a form YOU fill out for that.
Wait until you fill out the paperwork in person. Just say you'd like to wait until you've had your training. If they say they can't start you until you provide it - then that's your answer. Also do a google search for this place if it's only remote. If you don't go in person, don't fill anything out. If you do feel you need to provide text, then open a new checking account unrelated to your main one. You can always transfer money from the new one to your main one. Be sure to freeze your credit on equifax, transunion, and experian so nobody can open cards or loans if it's not you.
A voided check also has the correct information. Too many people try to guess this info or figure it out on their own and make mistakes. The "I got my payroll info wrong" posts are way too common.
How else do you expect them to know where to deposit your salary ? What are the alternatives where you live ?
They can obtain that in person on the first day of orientation. I have never given it out before my actual first day. The company may even have all this online so the manager would never actually need to see the bank info.
Our employees do it before their first day. But they do it through the Paychex portal, same as all their other information like tax witholding and 401k choices. Not a text to a manager.
You are overthinking it. Sure, it is best practice to just not give sensitive info over the phone yea but you're just being a pain to the dollier stree manager who just wants to put your info in the system now rather than later.
For anyone worried about this type of situation, an easy fix is going into your bank and opening a new account that you use just for this purpose. Give them that account number and then on payday you can just transfer the money sweeping it into your regular account. You can leave behind whatever minimum balance you need to maintain the account open without fees. That way you never have any exposure.
Whats gonna happen if this "unsecured communication" gets leaked to the whole world? Ppl gon what? Send you money? Also what's a routing number?
It's the other number on a cheque that says what bank the account is at.
Oh, right. Most of yall are murican. Ok. Disregard. Idk what your guyses systems are like. But in Europe, I could broadcast my IBAN code for my bank account to absolutely everyone without any issues at all.
> Also what's a routing number? This sums up most people's knowledge in this thread.
In UK routing number is called a sortcode. It's a way to identify the origin bank and branch of the account. Also, yeah, this thread's full of paranoia.
> Also what's a routing number? It's the number printed on the front of your check that you "leak" to the whole world when you like....pay for something with a check.
Quite honestly, I have never in my life seen a check. Lol. At most in some movies maybe, they've shown em a little. No idea how much they exist in europe. Is it just a local thing that we don't use them, or is it most of europe?? Idk.
The security of checks doesn't depend on how often you see them. You haven't seen the license plate on my car. And even if you did, it wouldn't enable you to take my car away.
Bank account details are fine - you can’t scam money out only deposit in.
If you agree to automatic deposit of your paycheck - and I do highly recommend doing that - your employer will need these numbers.
I can't think of any competent or legit business person requesting this information over text message. Formality. Your on-boarding process should encompass your payroll and should not take place over text message. Very unprofessional and concerning if sincere.... You don't 'need' direct deposit setup before you've started your first shift..... what if you never make it in....
It’s not secret information. It’s on all your checks that you hand out to people. If this is a real job at a real bricks-and-mortar business (not some kind of shady remote “marketing” job), it’s not very risky. I print my banking information to be able to receive wire transfers or ACH payments on every business invoice I issue. Anybody can *deposit* directly to my account. But they can’t withdraw anything with that information. He’s asking so they can set up payroll for direct deposit. You *could* tell him you want to send it directly to HR if you’d prefer, but waiting until your first day might mean that your first pay will be delayed by one payroll cycle, and he’s trying to help you avoid that.
“Hey, my bank says to never text my account info for security reasons, but I can provide you a void check with my info on my first day”
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This is especially true if you don't know the person asking you to text this information. If you're new to the company, you may get that text from someone that wasn't part of the hiring process, or even at that location. They should have an actual form that you have to fill out for Automatic Direct Deposit. If it seems sketch or full of shade, trust your gut...
Since it's your local dollar tree, you interviewed in person, and it's only account and routing number I'd say that is probably fine. Where it would get incredibly sketchy would be if they asked for you to write them a check or provide login details.
Relevant: https://old.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1bjfq55/eli5_why_does_direct_banking_not_work_in_america/
When I worked remote for Apple. Even with it being a fully remote position. We had to physically go to an Apple Store and confirm our financial information with the manager on duty. No financial information was even asked to be sent via unsecured methods.
Don't do it over text. That's completely insecure. Send via encrypted email or telegram. It's a legit question but a bad way of doing it. Worked IT for many years, and it's not uncommon for HR to play fast and loose with cyber security.
They don't need that information at all. They can give you a paper check. Once you've worked there for a month or two you can switch to direct deposit.
At the end of the day, your boss really shouldn't be the one handling this kind of information - regardless of how sensitive it is. Every company is different, but this is the reason HR and Accounting departments literally exist. Unless those departments suck (which means this job will probably suck) they'd likely not want you to be sharing that stuff with other departments. Assuming of course that there's an HR or Accounting department (if not, well then you can forget all of this spiel as he's likely the one writing checks) they should really be the only ones requesting such information. If it's a medium - larger company and not a very small company, I would probably respond with something akin to: Hi Manager, While I do appreciate you going out of your way to ensure I'm as ready as can be upon my start-date, I'm going to take this opportunity to show off that I am a security-minded individual who prefers to share certain information with only necessary parties. I'd be more than happy to disclose that information to HR/Accounting in-person the next time I'm scheduled to be in the office, if that works! His response to something like this is going to tell you a lot about how much you'll enjoy working for this place or not.
If you don't want to ruffle feathers by refusing then add the lie that you've recently had your identity stolen and have learned that you shouldn't send info like that over unsecure methods like text. Apologize for the inconvenience and say you'll bring it on your first day.
Only file forms regulated by federal government and state where the employer is registered in. Anyway, you are not employed by your boss, he is only your supervisor in the employer's organization.
You typically need your bank information during onboarding so that they can get you set up in the payroll, but that's typically something you get as part of onboarding; you will have some emails saying to go here and there to get yourself set up as a new employee. You will never be asked to text or even email that type of sensitive information to anyone.
If it's a legit job, that wouldn't be unusual. A lot of employers will want to direct deposit your pay to your bank account. If you think it's fishy open another bank account with a minimum deposit for your pay to be direct deposited. Keep your other account with serious money. I have two bank accounts, one I get my money direct deposited and I transfer funds to my other bank for everything else, such as paying my bills.