What renters should know before sharing account details

A landlord, property manager, or government program may ask for your checking account number and routing number for legitimate reasons — usually to deposit a refund, send an emergency payment, or process a security deposit return. But you are not required to hand over this information just because someone asks. You can ask why they need it, what they will use it for, and whether an alternative exists.

The risk is real: a checking account number in the wrong hands can be used to set up unauthorized withdrawals or transfers. A routing number alone is less dangerous but still part of the puzzle. Before you share, know who is asking, why they need it, and what safeguards are in place.

Key Takeaways

  • Landlords and government programs may request your account number to send refunds or payments, but you can ask for an alternative method like a check or money order.
  • A checking account number and routing number together allow someone to set up ACH transfers from your account, so verify the requester's identity before sharing.
  • If a landlord or program insists on direct deposit and you are uncomfortable, you can offer a savings account instead or ask for a written explanation of why they need it.
  • Government programs like tax refunds or emergency assistance will never threaten you or demand payment to send money to your account.
  • If you suspect fraud or an unauthorized withdrawal, contact your bank immediately and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission.

When landlords ask for account information

A landlord typically requests your checking account number to return a security deposit or send a refund for overpaid rent. Some property management companies use direct deposit as their standard refund method because it is faster and cheaper than mailing a check. If your lease or local law allows them to choose the refund method, they may make direct deposit mandatory.

You have the right to ask why they need it and to request an alternative. Many landlords will mail a check if you object to direct deposit. Some states require landlords to offer a choice of refund methods — check your state or local tenant rights guide to see what applies where you live. If a landlord refuses to offer any alternative and your state law does not require direct deposit, you may have grounds to dispute the refund method through your local housing authority or small claims court.

Never share your account number with a landlord you do not recognize or over an unsecured channel like text message or email. Ask for a phone call or an in-person meeting, and verify their identity by calling the property management office directly using a number from the lease or a public listing.

Government programs and direct deposit

Federal and state programs — tax refunds, stimulus payments, unemployment benefits, emergency rental assistance, child tax credits — often offer direct deposit as the fastest way to send money. The IRS, your state tax authority, and most social service agencies will ask for your account number during the application or claim process.

These programs are secure because they are bound by federal banking rules and audit requirements. The IRS and state tax agencies do not call you asking for account information; they ask during the official filing or claim process. If someone calls or emails claiming to be from the IRS or a state agency and asks for your account number, it is a scam — hang up and report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

When you provide account information to a government program through an official channel — their website, a paper form, or an in-person office — the risk is low. The program will use it only to deposit the refund or payment you are owed. If you are unsure whether a request is legitimate, call the agency directly using a number from their official website, not a number provided in the message.

What someone can do with your account number

A checking account number alone is not enough to drain your account. Someone would also need your routing number, which is public information printed on every check. Together, these two pieces allow someone to set up an ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfer — a withdrawal from your account that can take one to three business days to process.

Once a fraudulent ACH transfer is initiated, your bank may not catch it immediately. The transfer can succeed before you notice it, and recovering the money takes time. Your bank is required to investigate and may refund you within 10 business days, but the process is not automatic and requires you to report it.

This is why you should never share your account number with someone you do not trust or over an unsecured channel. A text message, email, or phone call from an unknown person asking for your account number is almost always a scam, even if they claim to be from your landlord or a government agency.

How to protect yourself when sharing account information

Before you share your account number, verify the requester's identity. If a landlord asks, call the property management office using a number from your lease or a public listing. If a government program asks, visit their official website and call the number listed there — do not use a number from an email or letter you received.

Ask why they need your account number and whether an alternative exists. Many organizations will accept a check, money order, or prepaid card if you object to direct deposit. If they refuse and you are uncomfortable, you can offer a savings account number instead of a checking account, which limits the damage if something goes wrong.

Once you have shared your account number, monitor your account for unauthorized withdrawals. Set up account alerts through your bank's app or website so you are notified of any transfer over a certain amount. If you see a withdrawal you did not authorize, contact your bank immediately and file a dispute. You also have the right to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

What to do if you think you have been scammed

If you gave your account number to someone you now believe was a scammer, contact your bank right away. Tell them you suspect fraud and ask them to monitor your account for unauthorized activity. Many banks will place a temporary hold on your account or issue you a new account number to prevent further withdrawals.

File a dispute for any unauthorized transfer. Your bank is required to investigate and will usually refund you within 10 business days if the transfer was fraudulent. Keep records of all communication with the scammer — emails, text messages, phone numbers — and provide them to your bank.

Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to your state's attorney general office. If the scammer claimed to be from a government agency, also report it to that agency directly. These reports help law enforcement track fraud patterns and may prevent others from being scammed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a landlord legally require direct deposit for a security deposit refund?

It depends on your state and local law. Some states require landlords to offer a choice of refund methods; others allow landlords to choose. Check your state or local tenant rights guide or contact your local housing authority to find out what applies where you live. If your landlord is breaking the law, you may be able to dispute the refund method through small claims court.

What if I gave my account number to someone and now I am worried it was a scam?

Contact your bank immediately and tell them you suspect fraud. Ask them to monitor your account and watch for unauthorized withdrawals. File a dispute for any transfer you did not authorize. Also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to your state's attorney general office.

Is it safe to give my account number to the IRS or a state tax agency?

Yes, if you are providing it through an official channel — their website, a paper tax form, or an in-person office. The IRS and state tax agencies are bound by federal banking rules and will use your account number only to deposit your refund. Never provide account information in response to a phone call or email claiming to be from the IRS; that is always a scam.

Can someone drain my account with just my account number?

Not with the account number alone. They would also need your routing number, which is printed on every check and is public information. Together, these allow someone to set up an ACH transfer. Monitor your account for unauthorized activity and contact your bank immediately if you see a withdrawal you did not authorize.

What should I do if a landlord asks for my account number over text or email?

Ask them to call you or meet in person instead. Verify their identity by calling the property management office directly using a number from your lease or a public listing. Never share sensitive financial information over text, email, or through a link in a message — these channels are not secure.