Small Businesses Are Feeling the Pressure If you’re serving small businesses, the survey’s insights into how they’re being affected by fraud matter. Last year, half of small business owners had been targeted by fraud. This year, it jumped to nearly 60%. The reported fraud is not minor. More business owners are encountering check fraud and AI-assisted scams. Many of them are facing losses of over $10,000, and they’re spending hours, sometimes days, to resolve the issue. Small businesses also reported that they are more likely to walk away from a banking relationship if they feel unprotected. In this year’s survey, 30% of small businesses said they had ended a banking relationship due to a fraud event. That’s a loud and clear signal; this segment expects tailored fraud education, proactive tools and quick response when things go wrong. Check Fraud Isn’t Going Anywhere, Even as Check Usage Decreases It might be surprising, but check fraud continues to be one of the most persistent and damaging types of fraud we see, even as fewer people write checks. Total check fraud losses for 2025 are estimated to exceed $24 billion. In 2024, 61% of people said they still wrote or received checks. In 2025, that number dipped only slightly. Yet, nearly half of all respondents weren’t aware that mail theft is a key driver of check fraud. Even fewer knew that using a gel pen could help prevent check washing. Younger consumers showed higher-than-expected rates of check fraud victimization, possibly because they didn’t realize the risks. Small business owners continue to rely on checks more than most and face even greater exposure as a result. Education and real-time check fraud detection are important ways to strengthen the relationship between a financial institution and its customers. This is a chance for banks and credit unions to be seen as trusted advisors by offering clear guidance and solid monitoring tools. For example, advising customers not to mail checks from their home mailbox and to use in-branch drop boxes or digital payments instead can go a long way in preventing fraud. Pair that with real-time alerts for suspicious check activity, and you’re not only helping protect your customers, you’re also protecting your bottom line. 800.228.2581 MHM.INC Now more than ever people want self-service options. With our core integrated ITMs we can make this a reality both in the lobby and in the drive-up of your branch. SELF-SERVICE BANKING NEBRASKA INDEPENDENT BANKER 19
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTg3NDExNQ==