Do you remember the last time you had to visit the bank to deposit your paycheck? For decades, direct deposit has been the efficient and safe way for employees to receive their pay.
This convenience does not come without risk. A new direct deposit scam has recently been making the rounds. We want to make you aware of it and share ways to prevent and avoid direct deposit fraud.
In many cases, the employer receives an email from someone claiming to be an employee. They tell the employer that they have had fraudulent activity on their bank account and need to update their direct deposit information. Without confirming this request directly with the employee, employers have updated the account information. However, the new account information provided belongs to the scammer, not the actual employee. As soon as the scammer receives the funds via direct deposit, they close the account and move on to the next victim.
How can you avoid direct deposit fraud? Here are some best practices:
- Verify employee direct deposit information directly with the employee, whether it is the initial set-up or to make any changes. Confirm these changes with the employee face-to-face. You could also require some sort of documentation, like a voided check or bank statement, to confirm the account belongs to the employee.
- Educate your employees about the risks of direct deposit fraud and how to protect themselves. Encourage them to monitor their accounts regularly and report any suspicious activity immediately.
- If your company is not already doing so, consider using fraud detection software for the corporate bank accounts. This will help detect and prevent direct deposit fraud from happening before it is too late.
You have many opportunities to protect yourself from direct deposit fraud. Consider taking these steps today.
Questions? Call us at 215-723-4881 or contact us online.