Fraud Education

Stay Smart. Stay Safe. Stay One Step Ahead.

At First Reliance Bank, your security is our top priority. As fraud schemes continue to evolve, it’s more important than ever to stay informed and proactive about protecting your personal and financial information.

Our Fraud Education Center is your go-to resource for understanding the most common fraud threats—whether you’re managing your household finances or running a business. We believe that knowledge is one of the best defenses against fraud. By learning how to recognize suspicious activity and how to respond quickly, you can reduce your risk and help others do the same.

Why Fraud Education Matters:

  • Prevention starts with awareness. Scammers target individuals and businesses of all types. Understanding their tactics can stop fraud before it happens.
  • Technology changes fast. From phishing emails to fake payment apps, new scams appear every day.
  • You’re not alone. Millions of Americans experience fraud each year—but with the right tools, it can be prevented or minimized.
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Topics We Cover:

  • Online and mobile banking safety
  • Identity theft and personal scams
  • Business email compromise
  • Wire fraud and check fraud
  • Social engineering tactics
  • Best practices for fraud prevention and response

Fraud can strike anyone. Whether you’re a retiree receiving suspicious phone calls, a parent concerned about your child’s digital safety, or a business owner navigating secure transactions—we’re here to help. Explore our dedicated pages for Personal Fraud Education and Business Fraud Education to learn how you can protect what matters most.

Personal Fraud Education

As fraud becomes increasingly sophisticated, it’s crucial to understand how to protect your personal finances, identity, and digital footprint. At First Reliance Bank, we want to empower you with the knowledge and tools to spot fraud before it happens—and act quickly if it does.

Business Fraud Education

Businesses—large and small—are prime targets for cybercriminals and fraudsters. From wire fraud and fake invoices to phishing attacks and data breaches, the financial and reputational costs of business fraud can be devastating. That’s why First Reliance Bank is committed to helping our business clients stay informed and protected.

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Fraud Prevention Checklist

Stay one step ahead with these simple actions to help protect your personal and financial information.

Protect Your Identity

  • Shred old documents that contain personal or financial information.
  • Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet.
  • Review your credit report annually at com.
  • Use secure passwords (at least 12 characters, with letters, numbers, and symbols).
  • Use different passwords for banking, email, and shopping accounts.
  • Enable two-factor authentication when available.
  • Keep your personal information off social media (such as birthday, address, and phone number).

Secure Your Devices & Online Accounts

  • Install antivirus software and keep it updated.
  • Keep your phone and computer operating systems updated.
  • Avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking or shopping.
  • Log out of financial apps and websites when not in use.
  • Be cautious of email links or attachments, even if they appear to come from someone you know.
  • Use only trusted banking apps and official websites.

Monitor Your Financial Activity

  • Check your bank and credit card accounts weekly for suspicious transactions.
  • Set up alerts through First Reliance Bank for balance changes or large transactions.
  • Review monthly statements for unauthorized charges.
  • Report lost or stolen debit cards immediately.
  • Keep a secure written or digital record of your account numbers and contact information.

Recognize & Respond to Scams

  • Never give personal or account information over the phone, email, or text unless you initiated the contact.
  • Be wary of urgent messages asking for money or gift cards.
  • Confirm unusual requests (such as payment changes) via phone with a known contact.
  • If something feels suspicious, stop and verify before acting.

If You Suspect Fraud

  • Contact First Reliance Bank immediately at your local branch or fraud support line.
  • Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at gov.
  • File a police report if needed for insurance or legal purposes.
  • Place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus:
    • Equifax: 800-525-6285
    • Experian: 888-397-3742
    • TransUnion: 800-680-7289

Have questions or concerns?

Contact your local First Reliance Bank branch or speak with our fraud prevention specialists today.

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