08/08/2025

Wisconsin Bankers Association: Warns of rise in bank spoofing occurring in Wisconsin — bank customers must be vigilant against financial fraud

WisBusiness

The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is warning Wisconsinites of increased bank fraud and encourages citizens to continue their efforts to spot scams by criminals seeking to obtain bank account or personal information. With greater frequency, Wisconsin banks see a variety of fraud activity targeting consumers, including recent attempts by bad actors to defraud customers through calls impersonating the bank. Many instances include “phone number spoofing” which makes the call appear as if it were from the bank itself. If a call seems suspicious, hang up and contact the bank directly using a verified number.
 
“Banks across Wisconsin go to great lengths to help protect customers by investing in anti-fraud tools and account security. Wisconsin bankers, law enforcement, and other state agencies do a good job on educating Wisconsin residents on the importance of protecting personal data and banking account information,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA President and CEO. “However, criminals are sophisticated in their spoofing of bank names on Caller ID and creating fake websites or text messages with bank logos to mislead customers into providing account access information or transferring money. Bank customers must be vigilant to protect bank account and personal information from criminals.”