DATE: April 2, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jim Roche
jroche@mainebankers.com
(207) 791-8401
Banks in Maine Help Prevent Fraud Against Customers
Banks in Maine helped stop well in excess of $46 million in fraud attempts against customers last year, according to recent survey results from the Maine Bankers Association (MBA). “Preventing this level of fraud against customers takes commitment and tremendous resources,” said MBA Board Chair and CEO of Androscoggin Bank, Neil Kiely. “It’s a top priority because customers’ financial security is a top priority.”
An invaluable tool banks use to fight fraud is to provide customer education to help spot phishing scams like romance fraud. In fact, bank tellers have become front-line defenders against financial scams using in-person interaction to detect suspicious withdrawals, elder financial abuse, romance scams, check fraud, and more.
“Banks operating in Maine know their customers,” said MBA President Jim Roche. “In our increasingly digital world, face-to-face relationships where bankers are familiar with their customers are becoming increasingly important in the fight against fraud.”
The Federal Trade Commission received 3 million consumer fraud reports in 2025. Common types of bank-related fraud are imposter scams where criminals pretend to be bank or government officials, investment scams, check fraud, and romance scams. Consumers can help prevent fraud by staying vigilant, use strong passwords with two-factor authentication, use secure payment methods, beware of high-pressure tactics, and verify callers/senders.
Good information about consumer fraud awareness and protection can be found at the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency: https://www.occ.gov/topics/consumers-and-communities/consumer-protection/fraud-resources/types-of-consumer-fraud.html
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