AI Overview
This article by Allen Kopelman, CEO of Nationwide Payment Systems, serves as a comprehensive fraud prevention checklist for Cybersecurity Awareness Month. It emphasizes that effective defense requires both personal vigilance and robust business practices. Key personal security measures include enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) everywhere, which is now mandatory given the ease of password theft, and consistently monitoring credit activity to catch fraud early. Users are strongly warned about phishing and smishing (text scams), with the main defense being to always verify independently and never click links from suspicious senders, especially those demanding immediate action or payment.
For business owners, the article stresses the critical need to train your team on recognizing scams and to implement secure transaction protocols, such as shipping only to verified billing addresses. It highlights that criminals use new tools like AI voices and deepfake IDs to execute old scams, relying on urgency and emotion to manipulate victims. The core message is to Pause. Verify. Protect.—taking a moment to check any suspicious request—and to use integrated payment technology, like NPSOne and ClickBillR, with built-in fraud prevention tools to secure commerce.
October Is Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Fraud Prevention Tips from Nationwide Payment Systems
By Allen Kopelman, CEO of Nationwide Payment Systems
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“Cybersecurity isn’t just for big corporations — it’s for everyone. Staying alert and informed is your best defense.” — Allen Kopelman, Nationwide Payment Systems
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Your Fraud Prevention Checklist
Monitor Your Credit — It’s Free and Easy
Start with the basics: keep tabs on your credit activity.
Use free credit monitoring tools from your bank, credit card company, or services like Credit Karma.
Set up fraud alerts so you get notified if someone tries to open a new account in your name.
Pro Tip: Check your credit at least once a month. It’s the simplest way to catch suspicious activity early.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Passwords alone are not enough anymore.
Turn on 2FA across all your banking, credit card, and financial apps.
Add an extra security layer with text message codes or authenticator apps.
Where possible, use biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial ID).
Remember: Even if your password gets stolen, 2FA keeps criminals locked out.
Be Smart About Emails — Don’t Get Hooked
Phishing emails are still one of the biggest threats. Before you click:
Check the sender’s actual email address (not just the display name).
Hover over links before clicking — look for misspelled domains.
When in doubt, delete it or call the company directly using a verified number.
Rule of Thumb: Banks and credit card companies will never email you asking for personal info or passwords.
Ship Safely — Verify Addresses Before Sending
If you sell products online or over the phone:
Ship only to verified billing addresses.
Be wary of customers who ask to ship to mailbox stores, freight forwarders, or reshipping companies.
If it seems suspicious, call to confirm and verify the address online.
Warning: Many scams start with a simple address change request — don’t fall for it.
Old Scams, New Tricks — Stay Alert
Scammers are recycling old tricks using new tech tools like AI voices and fake IDs. Watch for:
Fake charity requests after disasters
Contractor scams for fake repairs or deposits
Calls pretending to be from the IRS or your bank
Gift card and check scams (no legitimate business will ever ask for these)
People asking you to deposit money into Bitcoin ATMs
Pro Tip: The moment someone pressures you to act fast, that’s your cue to pause and verify.
Beware of Text Message Scams
Scammers are now texting instead of emailing.
Delete suspicious texts immediately.
Never click links in text messages from unknown numbers.
Banks don’t text you asking to send or Zelle them money.
If you’re concerned, call your bank directly — not the number in the text.
Recognize Red Flags
Scammers rely on human emotion. Be wary of:
Urgency (“act now or lose your account”)
Authority (“this is the IRS or FBI”)
Emotion (“your loved one is in trouble”)
Pause. Verify. Protect. Take a breath before reacting — scammers want you flustered.
Train Your Team
For business owners:
Hold quarterly cybersecurity awareness training.
Review phishing examples with your staff.
Require strong passwords + 2FA on all company logins.
The more your employees know, the harder it is for scammers to succeed.
Stay Safe and Stay Smart
Cybercrime costs consumers and businesses billions every year — but awareness is your strongest shield. By taking simple steps like verifying links, enabling 2FA, and slowing down before clicking, you can avoid becoming the next victim.
About Nationwide Payment Systems
At Nationwide Payment Systems, we help businesses protect revenue and process payments securely. Our technology — including NPSOne and ClickBillR — integrates payments, invoicing, and fraud prevention tools built for modern commerce.
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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cybersecurity Awareness Month?
A national initiative each October to promote online safety and awareness.
How do I check my credit for free?
Use tools like Credit Karma or your bank’s credit monitoring service.
What’s the safest way to confirm a suspicious email?
Never click links. Call the company directly froma verified number.
How can small businesses avoid fraud?
Only ship to verified billing addresses and use PCI-compliant gateways like NPSOne.
Should I trust texts from my bank?
No. Banks do not text asking for Zelle or payment links.
What is two-factor authentication?
A second security step (like a text code or app verification) after your password.
How can I train my employees on security?
Use online phishing simulations and include security topics in monthly meetings.
What’s a red flag for scams?
Urgent requests, emotional manipulation, or payments via gift cards or crypto.
How do I confirm a charity is real?
Check CharityNavigator.org or the IRS nonprofit registry.
What should I do if I’ve been scammed?
Contactyour bank immediatelyand report it to reportfraud.ftc.gov.
