Citizens National Bank Joins ABA and Banks Across U.S. in Industry-Wide Campaign to Protect Consumers from Fraud and Scams

October 1, 2026

Citizens National Bank Joins ABA and Banks Across U.S. in Industry-Wide Campaign to Protect Consumers from Fraud and Scams

Today Citizens National Bank (CNB) joined the American Bankers Association (ABA) and banks across the nation participating in the 2026 #BanksNeverAskThat campaign, an industry-wide effort to educate consumers about the persistent and growing scam threat. Nearly three in four Americans have experienced a scam or fraud attempt, according to a 2026 House Financial Services Committee report on financial fraud and scams. 

Those schemes are taking an enormous financial toll. A 2026 Gallup survey found that scams resulted in an estimated $68 billion in losses.  

To combat this fraud, the award-winning #BanksNeverAskThat campaign uses attention-grabbing humor and engaging content to help consumers spot red flags and remind them that banks will never ask for sensitive information including PINs, passwords or Social Security numbers.  

“Banks are on the front lines of fraud prevention every day. By working together to educate consumers about common scam tactics, we can help people protect themselves and stay one step ahead of criminals,” said Matthew Keene, President & CEO of CNB. 

“Scammers are constantly adapting their tactics, but many fraud attempts continue to start with the same warning signs,” said Paul Benda, Executive Vice President, Risk, Fraud and Cybersecurity at ABA. “Unexpected contact, urgent demands, pressure to move money and instructions to keep the situation secret are all red flags that should give consumers pause. When people know what to look for, they can often stop scams before they start. Raising awareness of those warning signs is one of the most effective ways banks like CNB can help consumers protect themselves from fraud.”   

CNB, along with banks from across the U.S., will join forces with ABA and kicked off this year’s updated campaign on Oct. 1 to mark the beginning of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Throughout the month, CNB will share consumer tips on social media and in bank branches designed to educate consumers on how to spot current fraud threats. 

This year's campaign highlights the critical role frontline bank employees play in detecting fraud and protecting consumers. ABA will feature profiles of real-life banker Scam Slayers at BanksNeverAskThat.com. The campaign also challenges consumers to become Scam Slayers by recognizing scam warning signs and taking action before fraudsters succeed. Whether it's deleting an unexpected attachment or hanging up on calls demanding secrecy or urgent action, the campaign demonstrates how everyday Scam Slayers can stop fraudsters in their tracks. 

BanksNeverAskThat.com serves as the campaign's central resource hub, offering consumers and banks a wide range of tools to help spot scams and stop fraud, including short videos, social media content, scam prevention tips and an interactive quiz that helps users discover what kind of Scam Slayer they are. Spanish-language resources are also available at BancosNuncaPidenEso.com. 

Start protecting yourself from fraud today by learning the six signs of a scam and the power moves Scam Slayers use to protect themselves:

  1. You’re pressured to open a link – Block!

  2. You’re called out of the blue and asked not to tell anyone – Hang up!

  3. You’re emailed an attachment you weren’t expecting – Hit delete!

  4. You’re asked for personal information like your PIN number, passwords or Social Security number – Hang up!

  5. You’re pressured to log into or send money with payment apps – Block and report!

  6. You’re asked to click, pay or respond – Verify first!

For more information about scams and how to protect yourself and your money, visit BanksNeverAskThat.com. 

CNB is a full-service, independent community bank serving Northern Michigan with locations in Alanson, Cheboygan, Indian River, Mackinaw City, Onaway, Pellston, and Petoskey. Explore our website to learn more.