Smart Ways to Stay Secure

Business Fraud & Security Tips and Advice

Running a business comes with enough risk—fraud shouldn’t be one of them. At Independent Bank, we’re here to help you protect your accounts, secure sensitive information, and prevent common scams before they happen.

Spot Red Flags in Business Communication

Watch for Phishing Emails

Scammers often impersonate vendors, leadership, or staff with convincing emails. Double-check email addresses—even one wrong letter could mean it’s a scam.

Verify Before You Pay

Always verify changes to payment instructions, especially for wire or ACH transfers. Use a known contact method—not the info in the request.

Don’t Overshare on Social Media

Be cautious when posting staff names, titles, or vendor partnerships. Scammers use this info to impersonate internal team members.

Watch for Business Email Compromise (BEC)

If an email from your CEO or vendor seems unusual—urgent payment requests, secrecy, or new routing info—pause and verify. This is a growing scam tactic.

Business Fraud & Security FAQs

Answers to Common Questions About Protecting Your Business From Fraud and Scams

How can I reduce the risk of check fraud?

Order checks with built-in security features like watermarks and microprinting. Store unused checks securely, deposit received checks promptly, and shred voided or outdated checks to prevent misuse.

What’s the safest way to send payments?

Whenever possible, use secure digital methods like ACH, Online Bill Pay, or wire transfers through Independent Bank. These offer greater protection and traceability than paper checks.

How do I protect my business from wire transfer scams?

Always verify changes to payment instructions using a known contact—not the information provided in an email. Scammers often spoof vendor or executive emails to reroute funds.

What should I look for in a suspicious wire request?

Be cautious of messages that are unexpected, contain urgent language, or pressure you to act quickly. Take time to confirm the request before moving any money.

How should I train my employees to avoid fraud?

Include fraud awareness in onboarding and ongoing training. Teach staff to spot phishing emails, verify unusual payment requests, and report anything suspicious. We can help with resources.

Are there best practices for limiting employee access to financial systems?

Yes. Use role-based permissions and dual controls for payments. Segregating duties—like separating who initiates and who approves transactions—adds an extra layer of protection.

What can I do to protect my in-store payment systems?

Routinely inspect card readers and POS equipment for tampering. Keep hardware secured when not in use, and verify service technician credentials before granting access.