Advertorial
Advertorial
The impending holiday season means many things to local business owners: sales abounding, joy abounding, and increased threat of fraud abounding (oh, glad tidings).Â
The Federal Trade Commission reported over $10 billion in losses due to fraud in 2023. So with the increased transactions and potential distractions that the holiday season brings, now is the time for local Forney businesses to shore up their defenses against banking fraud.
Harmony Bank, your trusted local financial partner in Forney, offers a few essential tips to keep your business accounts secure as we are entering the busiest season of the year.
Stay Informed and Alert
Awareness is your first line of defense against fraud. Be cautious of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or text messages requesting personal or financial information. Scammers often pose as legitimate businesses or government agencies to gain your trust.
Secure Your Personal Information
Protect your sensitive data by shredding documents containing personal information before disposal. Be wary of sharing personal details online or over the phone, unless you've initiated contact.
Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Routinely check your bank statements and credit reports for any suspicious activity. Early detection of unauthorized transactions can prevent significant financial losses both from your business, and from you personally.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Create complex passwords for your online accounts. We know it’s tempting to use the same password for everything, but using the same password across multiple platforms is a high-risk gamble in the era of data breaches. Consider using a password manager to securely store all of your login credentials.
Find the Right Bank with the Right Tools
A bank shouldn’t just be a place that stores your money – it should be your partner in securing your resources.
As an anti-fraud partner to our local businesses in Kemp, Waxahachie, and beyond, Harmony Bank offers a suite of timely and advanced anti-fraud tools to protect its customers that you might want to look for when selecting a bank for your business needs:
Positive Pay: This powerful system shields against check fraud and ACH fraud by automatically comparing items against an authorized list. It's an essential first line of defense for businesses of all sizes, helping to prevent unauthorized transactions before they occur.
Real-Time Transaction Monitoring: Using a sophisticated digital platform, Harmony Bank analyzes transaction patterns and flags suspicious activity instantly. This allows for immediate intervention and can significantly reduce fraud losses.
Account Monitoring Via Digital Banking: Harmony Bank customers can access a free personal financial management tool called “My View” to monitor their spending and savings goals, categorize expenses, set budgets, and more – online and in real-time. This comprehensive view of your finances helps our customers spot any irregularities quickly.
Secure Check Solutions: Harmony Bank provides enhanced security features for business checks, including chemical wash detection and microprinting. These advanced technologies make it difficult for fraudsters to alter or replicate checks, adding an extra layer of protection for your business transactions.
Anti-Fraud Pens for Checks: Available at Harmony Bank branches, these special pens use ink that reveals unauthorized alterations on checks, helping to detect fraud early. This simple yet effective tool makes your paper transactions more secure.
By combining these security measures with your own personal vigilance and ongoing education, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to fraud. Remember: if you suspect any fraudulent activity on your accounts, contact your bank immediately.Â
If you bank locally, even better – a team in your neighborhood who is dedicated to protecting your financial well-being can provide timely and relevant guidance on the next steps you should take to prevent fraud.
This holiday season, stay informed, stay vigilant, and take advantage of the advanced security features offered by a trusted local banking partner like Harmony Bank. Together, we can create a stronger defense against financial fraud in the Forney community.
Harmony Bank offers a banking partnership for north and east Texas businesses that yields vision, reliability, and personalized care. Follow Harmony Bank on LinkedIn for more local banking insights and tips to recognize fraud.