How We Help You Stay Protected
Security works best when we work together. We monitor for unusual activity and provide tools that help you stay informed and take action quickly when needed.
You can:
- Set up account alerts
- Monitor transactions in real time
- Manage debit card controls
- Review activity through Online and Mobile Banking
- Contact a real person if something does not feel right
Even small habits - like reviewing your accounts regularly or turning on alerts - can make a big difference.
Common Scams & Fraud Trends
Fraud does not always look obvious. It often starts with something that feels slightly off.
Common scams may include:
- Phishing emails and text messages
- Fake check scams and overpayments
- Account takeover attempts
- Investment and cryptocurrency scams
- AI-generated voice, message, image and impersonation scams
- Debit card fraud
- Check fraud and check washing
Be cautious of investment or cryptocurrency opportunities that promise guaranteed returns, create urgency, or require you to send money or cryptocurrency to someone you have not independently verified.
If a message feels urgent, unexpected, or slightly unusual - it is worth pausing and verifying.
Check Fraud & Check Washing
Check fraud continues to rise and can involve altered checks, forged signatures, stolen checks, or “check washing.”
Tips for writing checks safely:
- Avoid mailing checks whenever possible
- Use gel or fraud-resistant ink
- Monitor your account to ensure checks clear for the correct amount
- Confirm payments are received by the intended recipient
- Store checks securely
- Contact us immediately if something seems unusual
Watch Checking Fraud Podcast Read Checking Fraud Article
AI-Enhanced Scams
Artificial intelligence is making some scams more convincing and harder to recognize. Fraudsters can use AI to create realistic messages, images, documents, voices and even video that appear to come from someone you know or trust.
Be especially cautious of:
- Calls that sound like a family member asking for money urgently
- Messages or emails that closely imitate a person or business you know
- Altered or fabricated documents and images
- Unexpected requests to send money, share account information or provide verification codes
Do not rely on appearance or a familiar voice alone. If a request is unexpected or urgent, stop and verify it another way. Call the person or organization directly using a phone number you already know and trust.
Protecting Your Information
A few simple habits can go a long way in preventing fraud.
Helpful reminders:
- Never provide sensitive information to someone who contacted you unexpectedly
- If something feels suspicious, hang up and call the bank or company directly using a trusted phone number
- Avoid clicking unfamiliar links in emails or text messages
- Use strong passwords and account alerts
- Review your accounts regularly
- Talk through unusual requests with someone you trust before sending money or information
Fraud often targets older adults, caregivers, students away at school, and individuals unfamiliar with newer technology.
We encourage families to:
- Talk openly about scams and fraud
- Help loved ones set up alerts and digital banking tools
- Establish a family password or verification phrase to help verify unexpected calls or messages — even if the voice sounds familiar.
- Slow down and verify unexpected requests before acting
- Discuss Trusted Contacts and additional protections
A Trusted Contact is someone you choose who The Equitable Bank may reach out to if we are unable to contact you or have concerns about unusual activity or possible financial exploitation.
Anyone can add a Trusted Contact. It may be especially helpful during times when you could be harder to reach or may benefit from an extra safeguard — whether you're a young adult living or studying away from home, an older adult, or someone who may be more susceptible to scams or financial exploitation.
Your Trusted Contact does not have access to your account and cannot make transactions or financial decisions on your behalf. They are simply another trusted person we may contact in certain situations when we are concerned about your financial well-being.
Talk with your banker to see if adding a Trusted Contact makes sense for you or someone you care about.
If you have concerns about financial exploitation, abuse or neglect involving an older or vulnerable adult, Wisconsin Adult Protective Services also provides information and resources: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/aps/report.htm
And if something simply doesn’t feel right, please talk with us. We’re happy to answer questions, share additional resources or meet with you one-on-one.
Talk to a Banker