Problems With Eft

Writen by Kevin Stith

EFT transactions are transmitted through an automated clearinghouse. This is known as an ACH operator and is a secured and preprogrammed system. It functions as a clearing facility controlled by private organizations or a Federal Reserve Bank and is a recognized system for inter bank electronic fund transfers. The National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA) governs these systems and is responsible for their functionality.

Problems with EFT become apparent when financial institutions do not abide by the NACHA operatives and regulations. These are detailed and stringent policies related to implementation, conformity and accountability. If these guidelines are not adhered to, it is not possible to eliminate problems of EFT.

ACH transactions are stored in related files that follow an ASCII-format. These enlist several electronic transactions, and are categorized by their credit or debit values. At times EFT systems and securities may contain loopholes creating possibilities for EFT frauds. This occurs when an unauthorized person acquires confidential details, and undertakes or authorizes fraudulent EFT. An insider who has access to sensitive information, and deliberately alters EFT can also carry out such malpractices.

These problems occur when dubious persons are able to intercept or modify electronic data messages transmitted between financial institutions. Threat of EFT frauds and thefts are increased if the system is dependant upon general telecommunication facility. Very often insiders have committed these EFT frauds, and studies reveal that problems with EFT start when multiple authorized persons undertake these transactions. In order to reduce problems with EFT, it is important to use systems wherein unauthorized access to secure data is minimized.

In the US, the secret service along with protecting the president and Vice President, are responsible for electronic funds criminals. In case EFT fraud or theft involves two states, 18 U.S.C. Section 1343, wire fraud statute is referred to. The implementation of 'Check 21' permits transmission of checks electronically, and replaces electronic images for new paper checks. A number of consumers have complained that this federal law increases the possibility of fraud, error, bounced check fees, and duplicate check clearance, all of which are viewed as major problems related to EFT.

EFT provides detailed information on EFT, EFT POS, Fiserv EFT, Pulse EFT and more. EFT is affiliated with Electronic Payment Processing.