Crime solving is often pictured as fingerprints and DNA. When it comes to fraud cases, what kinds of forensic tools or digital evidence are investigators looking at? In fraud cases, investigators may examine bank and credit card records, transaction histories, emails, text messages, phone records, IP addresses, device data, blockchain transaction records, computers and mobile devices. The goal is to connect the activity to a person and determine how the scheme operated; sometimes this requires combining various records to build a clear timeline and identify the links among people, accounts and transactions. Have advances in technology made these digital investigations easier or harder? Technology has made both sides of the investigation more complicated. The volume of digital information can be challenging, but investigators have access to more information and better tools for analyzing large volumes of data. The biggest concern is the combo of technology, personalization and speed. Criminals can reach large numbers of people quickly, create convincing content and move money before a victim realizes what’s happening. We are also watching the continued use of cryptocurrency, digital payment platforms, social media and AI-generated content in fraud schemes. How have scams and fraud schemes evolved over the last few years? What’s occurring today that people may not have encountered five or 10 years ago? Scams have become more sophisticated, personalized and easier to carry out at scale. The amount of online data available for scammers to purchase — legally or otherwise — is astounding. Criminals may use AI-generated images, fabricated documents, cloned voices or other tactics to impersonate real people and organizations. Social media can also provide information that helps a scammer make a message appear personal and credible. The technology changes, but the underlying goal is often the same: to create trust and urgency to convince someone to send money or share personal info. The important point is that a convincing message is not necessarily a legitimate message. Verify the request independently before acting. How is law enforcement preparing for these emerging threats? Law enforcement agencies have to continue adapting. That includes training investigators on digital evidence, financial crimes, cryptocurrency, online investigations and new technologies. It also means maintaining relationships with agencies and organizations that can assist when a case extends beyond local jurisdiction. No single agency can address every fraud scheme alone. Collaboration, specialized training and timely information sharing are important parts of preparing for these threats. What gives you the confidence that law enforcement can stay ahead of these threats? Law enforcement continues to develop new investigative tools, improve training and build partnerships with financial institutions, technology companies and other agencies. Investigators are becoming more familiar with digital evidence and the ways criminals use technology. What are some of the most common scams facing Nebraskans right now? Common scams include impersonation schemes — like government impersonation or fraudulent requests involving family members — bank and financial institution fraud, online shopping scams, investment and cryptocurrency scams, romance scams and employment scams. Many of these are national or international schemes; a scam does not have to originate in Nebraska to have a real impact on someone in our community. What’s one tactic that tends to catch people off guard? When the scammer already knows something about them — their name, a family member’s name, a recent purchase or info that appears to come from a legitimate account. That familiarity can make the request seem more credible than it is. Fear and urgency remain two of the most common tools scammers use. They may claim that an account is about to be closed, that a loved one is in trouble, that a warrant has been issued or that payment must be made immediately. The goal is to keep the victim from slowing down and verifying the info. What psychological tricks should people be aware of? Scammers often use authority, fear, urgency, familiarity and a desire to help. They may also create a sense of secrecy — telling the victim not to speak with family members, bank employees or law enforcement — or make the victim feel that they’ve already invested too much to stop. If someone thinks they’ve been scammed, what should they do in the first hour? Acting quickly is important. If money has been sent, contact your bank immediately and explain that you believe you’re a victim of financial fraud. Ask what steps are available to stop, reverse or otherwise flag the transaction. Preserve all evidence, including messages, emails, phone numbers, receipts, account info and screenshots. Also, report the incident to law enforcement. Prompt reporting may improve the chances of 12 NEBRASKA BANKER
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