Protecting Your Business from Fraud

Fraudsters are constantly evolving their tactics, often posing as trusted contacts, vendors, or even employees to gain access to sensitive information or funds. We work alongside our business customers to identify warning signs, strengthen safeguards, and respond quickly when suspicious activity occurs. Here are a few business fraud risks to be aware of, and how staying informed can help:

• Compromised Email
• Vendor Impersonation
• Payroll Impersonation
• Loan Closing
• Ransomware Attacks

Tech Support Scams

Criminals could target you or your business, saying there’s something wrong with your device, or claim that your financial accounts have been hacked – or are at risk of being hacked – and claim they can fix it. 

They are just trying to access your devices, personal information, and ultimately, your money.

Here's how they do it

If you think you've spotted a scam, report it!

• Tell your bank
• Contact law enforcement
• File a report with the FBI at IC3.gov

Online Dating/Romance Scams

Scammers know millions of people use online dating sites and social media. They are there, too, hiding behind fake profiles.

Has an online love interest or friend asked you for money? That's a scam.

Signs of a Scam

• Professes love quickly. Claims to be overseas for business, military service, or other reasons.
• Asks for money, and lures you off the site where you originally met.
• Claims to need money for emergencies, hospital bills, travel, etc., Plans to visit, but can’t because of an emergency.
• Claims to have investment opportunity, especially involving cryptocurrency (e.g. Bitcoin).

What to do

• Slow down and talk to someone you trust. Don’t let a scammer rush you.
• Never transfer money from your bank account, buy gift cards, deposit cash into a crypto kiosk, or wire money to an online love interest. You won’t get it back.
• Contact your bank right away if you think you’ve sent money to a scammer.
• Report your experience to the online dating site and The Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Text Message Scams

Text messages that appear to come from banks and other financial institutions use urgent or alarming messages to trick you into clicking a link, sharing personal information, or sending money. These scams may appear to come from trusted sources, but JBT Bank wants to help you recognize the warning signs and know how to respond safely.

Common Examples of Text Message Scams

• Messages claiming there is suspicious activity on your bank account and asking you to click a link to “verify” information
• Texts stating your account will be locked unless you act immediately
• Delivery notices saying a package is delayed or held and requiring confirmation
• Messages posing as government agencies, utilities, or retailers requesting payment or personal details
• Texts offering prizes, refunds, or limited-time deals that seem too good to be true

What to Do

• Do not click links or respond to the message
• Never share personal or banking information via text
• Delete the message immediately
• Report the message to your mobile carrier

Caller ID Spoofing

Spoofing is a tactic scammers use to disguise their identity by falsifying caller ID information. Calls may appear to come from a local number or a trusted organization, making them harder to spot. After you answer, scammers attempt to trick you into revealing personal or financial information for fraudulent purposes.

How to protect yourself from spoofed calls:

• If a caller claims to represent a business or government agency, hang up and contact the organization directly using a verified phone number. Legitimate requests are usually sent by mail first.
• Never press buttons or respond to prompts during suspicious calls—this can signal scammers that your number is active.
• Avoid answering questions, particularly those that can be answered with “yes” or “no.”
• Never share sensitive information (account numbers, Social Security numbers, passwords, or other personal details) during unexpected calls.
• Be cautious of callers who pressure you to act immediately.
• Protect your voicemail with a password to prevent unauthorized access.
• Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. Let them leave a voice mail. If you do answer, hang up immediately.
• Ask your phone provider about call-blocking tools and consider reputable call-blocking apps. 

Check your voicemail regularly so important messages aren’t missed or crowded out by spam.
 

Identity theft

Common Examples of Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal or financial information and uses it without your permission, often to open accounts, make purchases, or commit fraud. JBT is committed to helping customers recognize identity theft and take steps to protect their finances.

• Unauthorized charges on your bank or credit card accounts
• New credit cards or loans opened in your name without your knowledge
• Changes to your banking login credentials or contact information
• Unauthorized use of your Social Security number

What to Do

• Contact JBT immediately to report suspicious activity
• Change passwords and PINs for financial, email, and online accounts
• Place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus
• Review account statements and credit reports regularly for unusual activity
• Report identity theft to the appropriate authorities