Fraud remains a potential threat within financial institutions, regardless of their size. However, there are a few easy fraud prevention strategies that can help lower the risk of fraud for your institution.

Understand The Risk

Fraud schemes can involve employees (occupational fraud) or third parties (including vendors, customers, and cybercriminals). Sometimes, workers and outsiders collude to commit fraud. Fraud perpetrated by third parties includes identity theft, credit card scams, bank fraud, and cyber-related schemes, including ransomware attacks. Occupational fraud usually falls into one of three major categories:

• Asset misappropriation
• Corruption (such as bribery)
• Financial statement fraud

Although these potential fraud threats may feel overwhelming, know that they all have the same objective: to steal your institution’s cash or assets. Once you understand and acknowledge this risk, you can focus on shoring up your defenses.

Eight Simple Fraud Prevention Tips

Internal controls provide the best defense. If you lack controls, allow managers to override controls, or are generally lax about employee oversight, your institution is at higher risk for fraud. The following tips are a good place to start:

1. Implement Robust Authentication Methods

Use multi-factor authentication for all employees and customers to add an extra layer of security. This makes it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to access accounts.

2. Take Advantage Of Anti-Fraud Tools

Financial institutions should utilize the full suite of anti-fraud tools available, such as transaction monitoring systems, fraud detection software, and alert systems. Educate your customers on how to use these tools effectively.

3. Regularly Reconcile Financial Accounts

Conduct regular internal audits and reconcile all financial accounts frequently. Promptly address any discrepancies or unauthorized transactions.

4. Verify Communications

Be vigilant with communications that appear to be from trusted sources. Educate employees and customers to verify the authenticity of emails, phone calls, and texts, especially those requesting sensitive information or financial transactions.

5. Educate Employees & Customers

Regularly train employees on the latest fraud schemes and the procedures for reporting suspicious activities. Additionally, provide resources and training sessions for customers to help them recognize and avoid fraud.

6. Conduct Regular Employee Background Checks

Implement a thorough vetting process for hiring employees, including background checks and verifying previous employment history. Regularly review the backgrounds of current employees, particularly those in sensitive positions.

7. Invest In Strong Internal Controls

Establish and enforce policies for all critical functions, including transaction processing, account management, and customer interactions. Ensure segregation of duties to prevent any single employee from having too much control over financial processes.

8. Deploy A Comprehensive Cybersecurity Program

Invest in state-of-the-art cybersecurity measures, including firewalls, anti-virus software, and encryption. Regularly update software and systems to protect against the latest threats. Conduct regular cybersecurity training and drills for employees.

Effective Program

A fraud prevention program doesn’t have to cost a lot or take excessive amounts of time to set up to be effective. We can help you identify your institution’s greatest threats and recommend simple, economical controls to keep fraud at bay. Contact us to learn more.