Cybersecurity News

John is heading back to the house after being out in the field all day when his cellphone rings. He exchanges a quick greeting with his construction company representative who asks him a baffling question, “Are you sending in the final payment?” John remembers mailing the check weeks ago. He jumps online to check his account and sees the check has been cashed. His stomach drops. What happened?

Fraud is an escalating issue across the country, and people like John and others in rural communities are attractive targets due to limited banking access and fewer law enforcement resources. While check fraud has long been a concern, fraud schemes in these regions now extend beyond forged documents to include identity theft and agricultural fraud.

Be aware of these common fraud schemes targeting rural areas:

• Check fraud: Criminals steal, alter or counterfeit mailed checks, exploiting the fact that paper checks are still widely used in rural economies. Mail theft, forgery and remote deposit fraud remain prominent threats.
• Identity theft: Rural residents who rely on traditional banking with limited cybersecurity safeguards are more at risk of having personal data stolen and used to commit financial fraud.
• Agricultural fraud: Farmers and agricultural businesses face scams related to fake online equipment sellers and to fraudsters posing as government agencies. Their end goal revolves around directly stealing money or banking account information to siphon more funds.

How to protect against fraud risks:

• Secure financial transactions: Whenever possible, opt for electronic payments and use online banking security features.
• Guard personal information: Be cautious when sharing sensitive details, and monitor financial accounts regularly.
• Beware of unsolicited calls and emails: Never provide financial information over the phone or via email unless you verify the caller or sender.
• Build your digital literacy: Learn how to evaluate online sources, protect personal information and navigate the digital world safely.
• Practice cybersecurity awareness: Participate in training programs to learn how to recognize phishing scams, fraudulent websites and suspicious emails. 
• Report suspicious activity: Inform local law enforcement and financial institutions about any suspected fraudulent transactions or scams.
• Share knowledge: Warn others of scams through local networks or social media groups.

Build your cybersecurity and fraud awareness with resources at AgWestFC.com/security.