The IOFM Podcast

Not Your Parents' Better Business Bureau: Top BBB Tools to Stop Fraud

When you think of the Better Business Bureau, you might picture the place your grandparents went to find a plumber. But today's BBB is so much more: it's a modern fraud-fighting resource for both consumers and businesses. In this episode, Grace sits down with fraud expert Debra Richardson to explore how the BBB has evolved from its 1912 roots into a critical tool for stopping scams before they hit your bottom line. From the powerful BBB Scam Tracker, a free national database of nearly 521,000 reported scams, to weekly scam alert emails, localized fraud education, and resources for validating vendors, the BBB is working on the frontlines of fraud prevention. What you'll learn in this episode: * How to use BBB Scam Tracker to identify scams by ZIP code and prevent invoice fraud in AP. * Why reporting scams helps the FTC, FBI, and your community. * How to sign up for free weekly scam alerts to stay ahead of fraudsters. * Ways your local BBB office can provide tailored fraud prevention training for your staff. * How BBB tools can even support your vendor validation process. Additional Resources: IOFM Article: Add BBB Resources to Combat B2B Payment Fraud [https://www.iofm.com/ap/vendor-validations-add-bbb-resources-to-combat-b2b-payment-fraud] BBB Scam Tracker [https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker] BBB Scam Tips [https://www.bbb.org/all/scamtips] Sign Up For Weekly Scam Alerts [https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/1900156/1902645/] Find Your Local BBB Office [https://www.bbb.org/bbb-directory]

Can You Tell Which Is Real? Deepfakes, Fraud & the Future of AP Risk

Deepfake fraud is no longer a futuristic fear, it's here, and it's targeting accounts payable teams. With AI-powered voice, video, and image manipulation getting scarily convincing, finance professionals need to be ready. In this eye-opening episode, Debra Richardson breaks down how deepfakes are being used to manipulate vendor payments, impersonate executives, and bypass traditional fraud controls. She shares real-world examples and delivers practical tips AP teams can use to stay one step ahead. Whether you're a finance leader, AP manager, or frontline processor, this is a must-listen conversation on the next frontier of fraud—and how to defend against it.

Cryptocurrency, Treasury, and Fraud: Safeguarding Your Payments in a Digital World

As cryptocurrency becomes a more common payment method for businesses, fraudsters are evolving faster than ever, especially through Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams. In this episode, global treasury executive Lee-Ann Perkins shares her insights on how organizations can safely navigate cryptocurrency payments, project treasury operations, and leverage strategic technology to minimize risk. With 20+ years of experience leading treasury operations across multiple industries and countries, Lee-Ann discusses real-world examples of cryptocurrency fraud, the risks tied to private keys and wallet security, and actionable strategies to safeguard your company's digital payments. Whether you're exploring cryptocurrency for cross-border transactions, vendor payments, or customer receipts, this episode provides essential guidance for treasury and finance professionals looking to stay ahead of cybercriminals in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. Click here [https://www.iofm.com/ap/business-email-compromise-bec-has-evolved-to-cryptocurrency-payments] to access the article: Business Email Compromise (BEC) Has Evolved to Cryptocurrency Payments: How to Stay Safe

Leading with Confidence: Real-World Lessons for AP Leaders

What does confidence really look like in a leadership role? Hint: It's not about having all the answers, it's about showing up with clarity, courage, and consistency, even in the face of chaos. In this episode, seasoned AP leader Nicole Caley shares the lessons she's learned over two decades in the trenches of finance operations—offering real talk on confident decision-making, leading during change, and helping new managers find their footing. Whether you're newly promoted, managing a growing team, or mentoring future leaders, this episode offers actionable takeaways you can start using right away. If you're leading (or want to lead) in AP, AR, or finance ops, this conversation will help you step into that role with confidence and authenticity.

Building a Culture of Fraud Awareness in Finance

Fraud prevention isn't just a policy, it's a mindset. And in Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable, where money moves fast and pressure runs high, culture is everything. In this powerful episode, fraud expert Paul Zikmund breaks down what it really takes to build a culture of fraud awareness in finance. From real-world red flags to leadership blind spots, he explains why checklists and compliance alone won't cut it, and how organizations can start shifting behaviors before a crisis hits. Bonus: How to overcome the most common excuses for not prioritizing fraud culture—and what's at stake if you don't. If you think your team is immune to fraud, this is the episode you can't afford to miss.