CINCINNATI, June 22, 2026 /3BL/ – In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, Fifth Third hosted “Protect Your Money: Banking Safety & Scam Prevention.”, the first event in a new financial education series created in response to the growing threat of financial scams nationwide. The free event was designed to help individuals better understand today’s increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics, learn how to protect themselves, and gain the tools needed to safeguard their financial well-being.
Held at The Matrix Center in partnership with Matrix Human Services, the event brought together leading voices in fraud prevention, senior services, and law enforcement. Kris Edwards, Head of Fraud Prevention at Fifth Third, FBI Special Agent Bryan Drake and Latoya Hall, SAFE Program Director at Wayne State University, came together to discuss how scammers are increasingly targeting individuals, especially older adults.
In the presentation, Edwards, Drake, and Hall provided practical strategies to identify, avoid and report scams.
Why Awareness Matters
The need for scam prevention education has never been greater. Financial scams continue to evolve, with tactics including impersonation schemes, phishing messages, and fake tech support calls becoming increasingly convincing and widespread.
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, reported losses among adults over age 60 rose from $2.4 billion in 2024 to $7.7 billion in 2025. However, fraud can impact individuals of any age, reinforcing the importance of staying informed and vigilant.
These trends highlight the value of accessible, community-based education. Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with experts, ask questions, and access resources designed to help protect not only their own finances but also those of their families and loved ones. By equipping community members with knowledge and confidence, Fifth Third aims to strengthen scam awareness and resilience across the communities it serves.
This event is part of Fifth Third’s broader commitment to enhancing scam prevention through continued investment in advanced fraud detection technologies, proactive customer education and advocacy for stronger consumer protections nationwide. Fifth Third’s in-app security tool, SmartShield®, combines fraud alerts, guided actions, and educational resources designed to protect customers from evolving cybercrime threats. Most recently, the bank launched Report Phishing, a new SmartShield feature that enables customers to quickly identify and report bank impersonation scams directly within the app. Through initiatives like Protect Your Money and innovations such as SmartShield, Fifth Third is helping build safer, more informed communities.
The next ‘Protect Your Money: Banking Safety & Scam Prevention’ event will take place in Dallas, Texas on August 20.
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About Fifth Third
Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Following the completion of its merger with Comerica in February 2026, Fifth Third is the ninth-largest bank in the United States, with approximately $294 billion in assets and operations spanning 15 states. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is to be the one bank people most value and trust.
Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank, and its common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.
CONTACT
Christina Pennell (Media Relations)
christina.pennell@53.com
Matt Curoe (Investor Relations)
matt.curoe@53.com | 513-534-2345