Bank of the West Launches Educational Video Series to Combat Online Fraud

Educating Customers on Online Fraud and Identity Theft

In a bid to educate customers on online fraud and identity theft, Bank of the West has launched a new video series featuring expert advice from its security experts. The series will be available on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Expert Insights into Common Scams and Phishing Schemes

The videos will cover topics such as e-mail scams, phishing schemes, and malware attacks, which are among the most common ways fraudsters target victims. According to David Pollino, Head of Security and Fraud Prevention at Bank of the West, “Organized online crime is a major concern for us, and we want our customers to be aware of these threats.”

Building Stronger Relationships with Customers

Pollino emphasized that the bank’s goal is not only to educate customers but also to build a stronger relationship with them. “We view this as a partnership with our customers,” he said. “The more interactions we can have with them, the stronger the relationship.” The videos will be hosted by Pollino and other security experts from Bank of the West, who will provide tips on how to protect oneself online.

Additional Resources and Tools

The bank has also partnered with McAfee and Trusteer to offer additional malware protection and authentication tools to its customers. In addition to the video series, Bank of the West is planning to expand its social media presence this year, integrating Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn channels, as well as blogs and mobile-focused apps.

Advice for Other Banking Institutions

When asked about advice for other banking institutions interested in offering similar programs and services, Pollino suggested leveraging internal subject matter expertise and promoting the content both externally and internally. “Quality over quantity is the winning formula,” he said. Nathan Nason, Head of Social Media at Bank of the West, added that social media moves fast, so it’s essential to have a clear strategy before launching a new channel. “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should,” he cautioned.

Ongoing Efforts to Educate Customers

The video series is part of Bank of the West’s ongoing efforts to educate customers on online fraud and identity theft. The bank has also hosted seminars and events with law enforcement agencies, such as the U.S. Secret Service, to raise awareness about counterfeiting and elder abuse.

Empowering Customers with Knowledge and Tools

Overall, Bank of the West’s new video series aims to empower its customers with knowledge and tools to protect themselves against online threats. As the bank continues to expand its social media presence, it is likely that more educational content will be made available to its customers in the future.