PITTSBURGH -- Valerie Reuben saw her overdraft fees hit $3,000 because of a mix up in a loan payment that was automatically withdrawn.

Not only was she charged $38 each time her account was overdrawn, but additional fees for each day her account was overdrawn.

She isn't alone.

A new investigative report from the government accountability office found overdraft protection fees have increased by about 11 percent.

Americans are now paying billions of dollars in the fees a year.

Why is it happening?

Debit cards and technology are two big reasons.

Overdraft fees are also increasing because checks now clear almost immediately and people are keeping a lower balance in their bank accounts which often means there is not enough money to cover the checks that are written.

When customers overdraw money, banks are charging for that overdraft protection.

According to professor Tom Nist of Duquesne University, the benefit of overdraft protection is that customers won't bounce a check or payment, which could ruin their credit rating.

But Nist said there are ways to protect yourself from the fees.

First, tie your checking account to another bank account.

Nist said, "What you can do is set up automatic coverage via access to a line of credit or a savings account that's sitting on the sideline in the event an overdraft occurs."

He also said pay your bills using online banking.

Nist said, "When you make online payments, you can actually schedule the date they come out."

Also, buffer your checking account.

"Keep a couple of hundred extra dollars in the account. Don't record it as a deposit and always have the assurance out there. I have a little more money in there than my ledger might suggest I do, " Nist said.

Make sure you always check your calculations against the bank statement in case you forgot a transaction or made a math error.

And finally, if you do get an overdraft, call your bank.

It might waive or reduce the fee, especially if it's your first.