Careless consumers share the blame for forking over $24 billion to banks in overdraft fees last year, but, as the NY Times points out, bank policies encourage these penalties.

(If you have over drafted with Wachovia/Wells Fargo, call customer service and ask them to waive your fees.)

Since 45% of U.S. banks rely on these funds to stay profitable, it’s little surprise that they rig their banking practices to maximize the amount of overdrafts incurred.

Here are five rip-off techniques: