Financial Institutions Struggle to Combat Rising Authorized Transfer Scams

Posted on July 18th, 2024 at 1:02 PM
Financial Institutions Struggle to Combat Rising Authorized Transfer Scams

According to InvestmentNews, financial institutions are increasingly grappling with authorized transfer scams as scammers become more adept at convincing individuals to transfer funds. Despite prioritizing resources to mitigate those scams, only 50 percent of financial institutions feel confident in their ability to detect and stop fraudulent activities.

A recent survey by LexisNexis Risk Solutions highlights the manipulative tactics scammers employ, such as fake sales of goods and services, impersonation of financial employees, romantic interests, and even family and friends. Almost two-thirds of respondents indicated challenges with their current solutions' effectiveness in mitigating these scams.

"Scams, fraud, and financial vulnerability are on the rise”, said Soudamini Modak, director of fraud and identity at LexisNexis Risk Solutions. "Financial institutions must analyze digital and behavioral signals to implement better strategies for mitigating scams across multiple channels. It's crucial to detect scams without frustrating legitimate customers by slowing their transactions."

As reported by InvestmentNews, in a recent FBI report, investment scams led to over a billion dollars in losses last year. And while financial institutions also face difficulties convincing customers that they are being scammed less than 30 percent of financial institutions inform customers within 24 hours when scams involve illegitimate orders for goods, services, or investments. This drops to just 4 percent when scams involve impersonation of financial services employees.

Financial institutions must enhance their scam detection and prevention strategies to protect customers and reduce financial losses due to fraud.

 

Eccleston Law LLC represents investors and financial advisors nationwide in securities, employment, transition, regulatory, and disciplinary matters.

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