It might look like a text from your bank. A quick email about a “locked account.” Or a phone call that feels just urgent enough to act on.

Today’s fraud doesn’t always come in the form of a major breach or headline-making event, it’s often far more subtle. It’s personal, timely and designed to feel real.

Fraud Attempts in Today's Landscape

Fraud attempts today are often carefully timed and tailored. A message might reference your business, your bank, or even a recent transaction. These are details that make it feel credible and trustworthy. That’s because fraudsters are no longer relying on broad, generic scams. They’re using information and context to “build trust” quickly and encourage fast action.

As a digital bank, protecting your business and your information isn’t just a feature, it’s foundational to how we operate. While our systems work behind the scenes, your awareness is still one of your strongest lines of defense.

The good news is that staying protected doesn’t require technical expertise, it starts with awareness and a few consistent behaviors. Understanding what to look for can make all the difference.

Your Everyday Habits Matter

The strongest protection often comes down to consistent, everyday behaviors.

• Keep your devices up to date
• Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware software
• Avoid reusing passwords across accounts
• Create strong, unique passwords and update them regularly

It’s easy to overlook these steps when things are running smoothly, but they play a critical role in keeping your accounts secure over time. Think of them as routine maintenance.

Recognize When Something Feels Out of the Ordinary 

Many modern scams rely on impersonation - fraudsters are posing as banks or other trusted companies to gain your confidence.

Be cautious if you receive unexpected messages asking you to:

• Click a link
• Share login credentials
• Provide verification or one-time passcodes

These messages are designed to feel normal and routine, like something you’ve seen before, so it’s natural to want to respond. Taking a second to step back, even when something feels familiar can help you spot inconsistencies before they become an issue.

Live Oak Bank will never ask for your full password or one-time passcodes outside of a verified interaction. If you’re unsure, contact us directly and don’t engage with the message.

Pause Before You Act

Fraudsters often rely on pressure. When something feels urgent, you’re more likely to react quickly.

In many cases, the goal isn’t to trick you with complex technology, it’s simply to get you to act without verifying. That might mean clicking a link before thinking twice, or sharing information to “fix” a problem that doesn’t exist.

Keep in mind:

• No legitimate company will contact you unexpectedly about a compromised device
• Never allow unknown individuals to access your computer
• Urgency is often a signal to pause, not proceed

When it comes to fraud, a moment of pause is often your strongest protection. Taking a minute to verify can prevent a much bigger problem.

Stay Closely Connected

One of the most effective ways to prevent fraud is staying aware of what’s happening in your accounts.

• Review transactions regularly
• Check linked accounts and remove anything unfamiliar
• Report suspicious activity immediately

Staying connected to your accounts doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Even quick, regular check-ins can help you catch unusual activity early. The sooner something is identified, the more options you typically have to resolve it.

If something doesn’t look right, trust your instincts.

HOW DOES A DIGITAL BANK PROTECT AGAINST FRAUD?

As a digital bank, we pair secure technology with real human support, because protection should feel both strong and accessible.

Our approach is designed to give you confidence and clarity, knowing safeguards are in place while also making it easy to reach someone if something doesn’t feel right.

That means:

• Strong authentication processes
• Ongoing monitoring for unusual activity
• A team you can contact directly when something feels off

Security and safety isn’t only about systems, it’s about having someone to call when it matters.

Fraud may be evolving, but the fundamentals of protecting yourself remain consistent: stay aware, take a moment to verify and don’t ignore anything that feels unusual.

Member FDIC.

Have a Concern?

If you notice suspicious activity or have concerns about your Live Oak account, contact Live Oak Bank directly at (866) 518-0286. Acting quickly can make all the difference.