Check fraud is a growing problem, and scammers are getting more sophisticated with their tactics. In this eye-opening episode of the Smarter Online Safety podcast, host Jocelyn King sits down with two renowned experts to uncover the shocking truth about check washing and fraud—and, most importantly, how you can protect yourself.

💡 Meet Our Expert Guests:

🔹 Jim Hitchcock – Vice President for Fraud Mitigation at the American Bankers Association (ABA), where he serves as the association’s primary expert on fraud mitigation activities and programs. Jim tracks key fraud trends, runs banker committees focused on fraud, and collaborates with government and commercial partners to develop cutting-edge fraud prevention strategies. Before joining ABA in 2021, Jim was a Director in the Capital One Anti-Money Laundering Department, advising on fraud issues. Prior to his banking career, he spent years in federal law enforcement, working for the Department of Defense Inspector General (Investigations) and the U.S. Secret Service, where he specialized in identity theft, computer-related crimes, and international money laundering schemes. Jim brings unparalleled expertise in fraud investigations and financial security.

🔹 Patty Aubery – A bestselling author, speaker, and business strategist with over 30 years of experience in publishing, personal development, and brand building. She was the President of Chicken Soup for the Soul, where she helped turn it into a billion-dollar brand, overseeing the publication of over 230 New York Times bestsellers. As the CEO of The Canfield Training Group, she has mentored thousands of authors, speakers, and entrepreneurs, helping them build their personal brands and transform their expertise into thriving businesses. Patty shares invaluable insights on financial awareness, business security, and success strategies for today’s digital world.

🚨 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ What is check washing? How criminals steal checks and alter them for fraudulent use. ✅ How banks are fighting back against fraud and protecting consumers. ✅ The latest check fraud scams and how to spot them before it’s too late. ✅ Simple but powerful ways to safeguard your finances from scammers. ✅ Why financial literacy is more important than ever, with insights from industry leaders.

📌 Don’t let scammers steal your hard-earned money! Tune in to learn how to protect yourself, your business, and your loved ones from check fraud and other financial threats.