Florida Banking June/July 2026

FBA Continues Efforts to Combat Fraud GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Education remains another important pillar of the FBA’s fraud mitigation efforts. Throughout the year, the Association offers webinars, programs and training opportunities focused on fraud prevention and response strategies. In addition, the FBA partners with the Kentucky Bankers Association on its annual Fraud Academy, scheduled for Aug. 18-20, 2026, in Lexington, Ky., and virtually. The Fraud Academy is designed to equip bankers at all levels with tools to detect, prevent and mitigate fraud. Led by experts from the U.S. Secret Service, law enforcement and fraud prevention specialists, the program addresses a wide range of topics, including check fraud, elder fraud, cybercrime and prevention strategies. I’ve attended myself and strongly encourage others to participate. Advocacy also remains central to the FBA’s efforts. In Washington, D.C., the FBA has hosted discussions with members of Florida’s congressional delegation and federal regulators to address strategies for combating fraud and protecting consumers. In Tallahassee, the FBA has supported several important legislative initiatives in recent years, including protections for vulnerable adults, criminal penalties for mail theft and efforts to regulate virtual currency kiosks often used in scams. The Association is also continuing work on legislation to establish a Financial Crimes Intelligence Center within the Attorney General’s Office to improve statewide coordination on financial fraud investigations. Together, through education, collaboration, advocacy and public awareness, we can continue strengthening the industry’s response to fraud.

Fraud continues to impact financial institutions and consumers at every level, and bankers are often the last line of defense. Whether helping customers recover stolen funds, preventing fraudulent withdrawals or identifying suspicious activity before losses occur, your role is critical. That’s why the FBA continues to prioritize fraud mitigation through advocacy, education collaboration and public awareness initiatives. One of the FBA’s most visible efforts this year is a statewide fraud prevention awareness campaign in partnership with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. We appreciate the Attorney General’s collaboration on this important initiative and encourage all member banks to participate. Campaign materials have already been distributed to members and include social media graphics, educational videos and one page consumer resources that can be used in branches, newsletters, websites and other communication channels. The success of this effort depends on broad participation across the industry. By sharing these resources consistently and visibly, we can help educate consumers and reduce the success of fraud attempts targeting Floridians. The FBA is also continuing to strengthen industry collaboration through the Fraud Mitigation Peer Group. This forum allows members to exchange information, discuss emerging threats and learn practical strategies from industry experts and peers. Recent sessions have focused on the growing sophistication of AI-driven fraud schemes, including phishing and smishing attacks that challenge traditional detection methods. These discussions help banks stay informed and better prepared to respond to evolving risks.

ANTHONY DIMARCO FBA EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS “ The Fraud Academy is designed to equip bankers

at all levels with tools to detect, prevent and mitigate fraud. ”

Upcoming Event BSA/AML Symposium

Learn more: https://www.floridabankers.com/ fba-bsa-aml-symposium.html October 27-29, 2026 Orlando Marriott Lake Mary Lake Mary, Florida

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