For a lot of us, it’s second nature.

You got a text claiming you owe the IRS?

Swipe left, delete, and report spam.

By now, you know, the IRS isn’t going to text you out of the blue with some link. By now, you know that link is malicious, and tapping or clicking on it is like handing over the digital keys to your bank account.

But wait.

This newest text looks a little more real. This latest email knows too much about you. And it has that government logo or the bank logo you recognize. And there’s no bad grammar like you’ve seen before.

So, maybe this one is real?

Stop.

That’s Jeff Taylor’s advice in one word.

Instead, the head of Commercial Fraud Forensics at Regions Bank suggests “fostering a culture of fraud awareness.” That goes for your personal money, your household’s finances, and your company’s money if you work somewhere with access to company funds or payment requests.

“Building this culture starts with vigilance at every level,” Taylor said. And here are his top three additional pieces of advice:

Guard your house: Strengthen your defenses

This means ensuring all networks, firewalls, and devices are fortified against potential intrusions. And if it’s been a while since you did this – do it again. A fresh security review can reveal weaknesses.

The latest operating systems and security patches are essential, as outdated software is a common entry point for fraudsters. Use strong, unique passwords, and never share them.

Implement multifactor authentication (MFA) wherever possible to add an extra layer of protection, making it much harder for attackers to breach accounts – even if they obtain your password. Incorporate dual control systems for sensitive operations, where two individuals must approve actions like financial transactions.

“With the rise of more sophisticated technology and cybercrime, businesses are actually more vulnerable today, not less,” Taylor explains. “It’s more important than ever to understand the attack vectors these criminals might use so you can be proactive and keep your enterprise secure.”

By prioritizing these measures, organizations instill a mindset of security as a daily priority, reducing incidents and empowering everyone to serve a role in defense.

Develop a training program: Empower through education

People are often the weakest link in fraud prevention—not due to malice, but due to a lack of awareness.

“Maybe your teen or preteen has their first mobile device. How well do they know what NOT to do?” Taylor asked.

“It’s crucial everyone in the household is on alert. And in the office, same thing. Train everyone – everyone – to recognize warning signs because scammers will go through anyone to get what they want.”

Especially in the workplace, training can even include tests, such as simulated “phishing” emails to employees, to build instinctive reactions. Foster a fraud awareness mindset by encouraging open discussions, sharing real-life case studies, and normalizing vigilance.

“Fraud training is your best protection,” Taylor said.

“At home, it’s making sure everyone – from the youngest, to the oldest, knows how fraudsters can try to trick them into handing over sensitive information or clicking malicious links. At work, it’s creating a company culture where fraud simply cannot thrive. In our experience, that can be the difference between preserving your money or risking losing it.”

Implement a fraud response plan: Prepare for the inevitable

Earlier – we gave you the first element of a good response plan: Stop.

The next two elements?

Call. And confirm.

In other words:

“If you receive a request to initiate a payment, click on a link, tap a URL in an urgent text, or anything similar, STOP what you’re doing,” Taylor said.

“Don’t fall for the fake urgency the scammers try to convey. Instead, take your time and CALL a trusted contact at their own, verified number, not the one in the text or the email.”

For example – pick up your bank debit card, and call the number on the back. Or use their verified toll-free number.

From there, seek to confirm whether the request is legitimate. Often, frankly, it’s not, Taylor said.

“We see people with the best of intentions fall victim to schemes, and by the time they realize what’s happened, it can be too late,” he added. “That’s why Regions Bank takes the time and resources to warn the public, whether you’re a customer of the bank or not: Be on the lookout. It’s much better to take steps now to limit the success of fraud – than to fall victim and be left holding the bag.”

For more resources, visit www.regions.com/fraudprevention, www.regions.com/stopfraud, or regions.doingmoretoday.com.