How financial criminals are changing the game in 2025 & what you can do to stay ahead of them
Staying Safe In A Digital World: What Business Owners Should Know in 2025
At First International Bank & Trust (FIBT), we believe banking should be personal, secure, and empowering. As a family-owned, independent community bank with over a century of experience, we’ve built our reputation on trust, resilience, and a commitment to helping our customers “Live First.”
Whether it’s supporting your business goals, safeguarding your financial future, or simply being there when you need us, we’re proud to be a partner you can count on.
Our relationship-based approach means we don’t just offer banking services — we offer peace of mind. From our roots in North Dakota to our presence across Arizona, Minnesota, and South Dakota, we’ve weathered economic shifts and technological changes by staying nimble and focused on what matters most: protecting our customers and their communities. In today’s digital landscape, that protection extends beyond the vault. Cybercrime is evolving rapidly, and fraudsters are finding new ways to target individuals and businesses alike. Messages like “Your account has been suspended,” “Click here to upgrade your cloud storage,” or “Verify your identity now” are more than just annoying — they’re often phishing attempts designed to steal sensitive information.
While many of us have learned to spot these scams, the stakes are rising. In 2024 alone, cybercrime cost victims over $16 billion, a 33% increase from the previous year. For business owners, the risks are even greater. With threats like check washing, mail theft, and business email compromise (BEC) becoming more sophisticated thanks to AI-generated content, the stakes are even higher.
What Is Business Email Compromise (BEC)?
BEC scams involve a fraudster gaining access to a legitimate business email account and using it to trick others into sending money or sharing confidential information. These scams often look like routine communications from known vendors, complete with “updated payment instructions” or fake invoices.
Here’s how it typically works:
- A scammer gains access to a business email account, often through phishing or malware.
- Then, the scammer identifies customers who regularly interact with that business.
- Then, the scammer sends those customers fraudulent requests for payment, hoping to intercept funds before anyone notices.
Did You Know?
At FIBT, our dedicated Fraud Prevention team works tirelessly to stay ahead of emerging scams. In 2024, we successfully prevented 99.3% of fraud attempts on our customers’ accounts. Staying safe is a shared responsibility — and we’re here to help you stay informed and prepared.
What Can You Do To Protect Yourself?
Verify before sending money
If you receive new payment instructions, call the vendor directly to confirm.
Enable two-factor authentication
A password alone isn’t enough; two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security.
Watch for urgency
Scammers often pressure you to act quickly. If something feels off, take a moment to double-check.
At FIBT, we’re committed to helping you navigate these challenges with confidence. If you ever have questions or concerns about a suspicious message or transaction, our team is here to support you, because your trust is our priority.
How Positive Pay Can Help Safeguard Your Business
At First International Bank & Trust, we understand that running a business comes with enough challenges — worrying about fraud shouldn’t be one of them
That’s why we offer tools like Check & ACH Positive Pay, designed to give business owners greater control and peace of mind when it comes to protecting their accounts.
How It Works
Check Positive Pay compares checks presented for payment against your issued check files, verifying check numbers, dollar amounts, payees, and issue dates. If something doesn’t match, you’ll be notified and can choose whether to pay or return the item
ACH Positive Pay lets you create a list of authorized or unauthorized ACH transactions. You’ll receive alerts for any exceptions and can decide how to handle them
These tools offer a proactive way to prevent fraud before it impacts your bottom line.
Benefits include:
- Routine comparison between checks written and checks presented for payment
- Payment of only authorized transactions
- Automated email alerts for exception items
- Online exception management for quick decision-making
- Account reconciliation support to simplify bank statement balancing
If you’re interested in learning more or enrolling your business in Check & ACH Positive Pay, our Treasury Management team is here to help.
Your Security Is Our Priority
With tools like Positive Pay and a team that’s always looking out for you, FIBT is proud to be your partner in fraud prevention. Let’s keep your business safe and build trust — together.
Visit a branch near you or contact our FIBT Customer Care Center at (800) 359-8092 to get connected with one of our experts.
A Quick Guide To Spot Suspicious Activity:
Fraudsters are getting smarter, but so are you. Here are a few friendly reminders to help you stay alert when reviewing emails or payment requests:
Check the web address
Look out for misspelled or unusual domains (like yourb4nk.com). If it doesn’t look right, it probably isn’t.
Notice the greeting
Messages that say “Dear Customer” instead of your name may not be from a trusted source.
Pause on urgency
Scammers often push you to act fast. Take a moment to verify before responding.
Keep info private
FIBT will never ask for your account details via email or text. When in doubt, reach out to us directly.
Skip unexpected links
Even familiar-looking messages can carry malware. Avoid clicking on anything you weren’t expecting.
