Whether it's a minor transaction like ordering a bird feeder or something major like cashing a substantial check, it's widely acknowledged that being defrauded is not only inconvenient but also can cause some significant financial headaches. As your financial partner, we’re sharing a couple of tips to help you safeguard yourself and your business.

Spoofing refers to using deception to appear as another person or source of information. Fraudsters are getting more creative and have been known to spoof phone numbers and even company websites. Even if the phone number calling you matches the one on the back of your credit card, it may not be your bank.

💡Provide customers: We won’t call from a 1-800 number. Unless you have your Provide rep on speed dial, log in to the Provide portal to call or message them directly when you have questions or concerns. 

When a fraudster impersonates a legitimate company or organization using email, faxes, and/or websites to lure recipients into revealing confidential information, that’s phishing. Phishing can also occur via voice phishing using the phone, vishing, and SMiShing, via text messages. It can be difficult to distinguish a real message from a phishing message. Quite often, the tone of the message is urgent, leading recipients to believe there’s something wrong with their account.

💡Provide customers: Forward phishing emails that appear to come from Provide to ithelpdesk@getprovide.com for investigation.

Payment fraud 

Payment fraud occurs when a fraudster is attempting to steal your money. Think checks, debit cards, and wire transfers. Despite moving to a more digital world, check fraud continues to be one of the most common forms of fraud that banks see. Check fraud includes counterfeit checks, altered checks, and forged signatures. 

💡 Pro tip: Provide’s credit card for healthcare practice owners, the Provide Card, was built specifically for you. Cardholders can securely make bulk supply orders and earn tailored rewards on their purchases. As a practice owner, this can help you avoid check and debit card fraud. You get cash back, and it doesn’t link to your account.

If you’re not using Fifth Third Direct and want to learn more, contact your Provide rep.

By being aware, educating your team, and utilizing the right tools, you can be proactive rather than reactive as far as fraud is concerned. And we’re here to help! Reach out to your Provide rep with questions.