On this episode of the ABA Fraudcast, we dive into how the Internet works — and why it’s so easy for criminals to create fake bank websites. We’ll explore how these sites get taken down and what banks can do to combat this growing threat. Our guest, Craig Schwartz of fTLD Registry Services, breaks down the key differences between traditional .com domains and the more secure .bank domain — a top-level domain created by a consortium led by the American Bankers Association and other partners specifically to reduce fraud. Schwartz explains the rigorous security measures behind .bank, including a comprehensive vetting process that keeps bad actors out and ongoing verification to maintain trust. Want to learn more about the benefits of .bank? Visit aba.com/dotbank.

As elder fraud skyrockets, banks are actively seeking the best strategies to protect their customers, including proper use of “hold” laws to delay transactions in suspected cases of exploitation. In this episode of the ABA Fraudcast, ABA’s Paul Benda addresses these important issues with guests Barb Graziano, VP, internal audit, compliance and BSA officer for First Seacoast Bank in New Hampshire, and Sam Kunjukunju, VP consumer education and community engagement, who discusses ABA’s State Hold Laws and Elder Financial Exploitation Survey Report, which has valuable information for banks.

One of the major efforts from the very busy team at the ABA Foundation these days is helping bankers help older Americans protect themselves from scams. The Foundation's Safe Banking for Seniors program focuses on a number of ways seniors can avoid financial danger. "We provide free, turnkey programs and materials to help bankers lead personal finance presentations with kids, young adults and seniors in their communities," explains Sam Kunjukunju, ABA's VP for consumer education, in this episode of the ABA Fraudcast. "Unfortunately the criminals are definitely targeting Americans of all ages, and it's very challenging when we look at the older American population."