2026 Pub. 20 Issue 5

When something doesn’t feel right, slowing the conversation down can be incredibly effective. A simple question or brief discussion may provide enough time for a customer to reconsider what they’re being asked to do. 4. Use Everyday Conversations to Educate Fraud prevention doesn’t just begin when a suspicious transaction occurs. Some of the best opportunities to protect accountholders happen during routine interactions — opening an account, discussing online banking or answering a simple question at the teller line. A quick reminder about common scams, password security or the risks of sharing personal information can go a long way. These conversations may seem small in the moment, but they help build awareness and trust over time. You never know when a brief discussion today might help someone recognize a scam tomorrow. 5. Make Speaking Up Part of the Culture Employees should feel comfortable raising concerns when something seems off. When leadership supports those conversations and reinforces the importance of fraud awareness, employees are more likely to act when they encounter a potentially risky situation. The goal isn’t to create suspicion. It’s to create confidence — confidence to ask questions, confidence to seek a second opinion and confidence to put the accountholder’s well-being first. The Community Advantage Large financial institutions invest millions in fraud detection systems, but community banks have something even more valuable: personal relationships. When employees know their customers and members well — and accountholders trust those employees in return — fraud becomes much harder for criminals to hide. Technology will always play an important role in fraud prevention, but sometimes the best defense is a familiar face who notices something isn’t right and takes the time to ask one more question. In an age of increasingly sophisticated scams, human connection remains one of the strongest advantages any community financial institution has in keeping its people safe. Advertising in this public tion connects you with decision-m kers who re ctively seeking solutions, giving your mess ge the credibility nd visibility it needs to inspire ction. Reserve Your Ad Space Today! Turning Readers into Customers CONTACT US! mbr-connect.com • (801) 676-9722 hello@mbr-connect.com 30 NEBRASKA BANKER

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTg3NDExNQ==