Automation: The New Essential Tool in Protecting Your Business from Payment Fraud

Across Iowa, businesses are feeling the impact of rising payments fraud. Criminals are continuing to use smarter technology and more convincing impersonation tactics. The good news is that automation is now one of the most effective ways to strengthen your fraud defenses.

Why automation matters
Fraud today often targets the points where human error, busy schedules or incomplete verification can create openings. Automated controls close these gaps by ensuring key steps in your payment process happen consistently every time.

Automation reduces the chance of human error
Criminals have become experts at timing attacks when finance teams are overwhelmed or rushing to close out the day. Automated approval requirements, alerts and validation steps keep payments from moving forward until the right checks have been completed.

It protects your accounts around the clock
Check fraud and unauthorized ACH debits remain two of the most common losses for businesses. Tools like Positive Pay and ACH Filters monitor transactions automatically and help stop suspicious activity before it posts.

It strengthens card-payment security
Credit card fraud continues to grow. Features like digital wallets, one-time virtual card numbers and tokenized credentials add an extra layer of automated protection by replacing sensitive card data with secure, single-use or encrypted versions.

It supports consistent, everyday vigilance
Automation helps by embedding good habits into the process: alerts fire automatically, approvals can’t be skipped and permissions are tied to specific roles.

Simple automation steps make a big difference
Businesses can strengthen their security quickly by focusing on:

• Requiring dual approvals on ACH and wire payments
• Turning on Check Positive Pay and ACH Filters
• Setting up real-time transaction alerts
• Using digital wallets or virtual card numbers for online purchases
• Reviewing user access and permissions regularly
• Reducing paper check usage where possible

These steps create a strong foundation that makes your payment routine safer and smoother.

Fraud isn’t slowing down, but automation gives businesses an opportunity to stay ahead of it. Contact the Bankers Trust Treasury Management team to help identify where automated controls can reduce risk and improve peace of mind. ABI