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Fraud-Schemes-Continue-to-Rise

Fraud Schemes Continue to Rise

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Frank Costa, President of NEXGEN Protections Services on Fraud Schemes:

Fraud remains a persistent problem that organizations continue to struggle with, including the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), one of the federal agencies tasked with addressing fraud schemes.

Below are some of the top fraud scams that affected individuals and organizations in 2024 and are likely to continue being a problem in 2025.

  1. Investment Scams
    This scam tactic has been around for ages. Fraudsters often present themselves with seemingly lucrative business opportunities that promise regular returns—if you invest immediately.
  2. Business Email Compromise (BEC)
    BEC schemes have been around since email was first introduced and typically occur in one of two ways, according to Schlereth.
    Fraudsters either spoof a legitimate email address or domain name, often adding an extra letter so the sender appears authentic at a quick glance. Alternatively, they may use social engineering to obtain an employee’s credentials and then log into the victim’s work email. CFOs and CEOs are particularly lucrative targets.
  3. Check Fraud
    What’s old is new again. Check fraud surged last year, especially after individuals posted videos on social media showing themselves writing bad checks, depositing them at ATMs, withdrawing cash before the check bounced, and sharing their behavior.
    “Fraudulently altered checks can cause significant losses to financial institutions and disrupt bank operations,” the report states. “Due to the nationwide surge in check fraud targeting U.S. mail, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an alert urging financial institutions to be vigilant in identifying and reporting such activity.”
  4. Impersonation Fraud
    In this scam, criminals claim victims are suspects in financial crimes and threaten arrest or violence unless they pay the criminals. Additionally, fraudsters are impersonating customer service and tech support providers, often targeting individuals over 60 by phone. They claim that the victim’s computer has been compromised and needs immediate repair.

Source:
Gates, M. (February 1, 2025). Trend Alert: 4 Fraud Schemes to Watch in 2025. Security Management Magazine.

 

To-Increase-Security-Invest-in-Inclusion

To Increase Security, Invest in Inclusion

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Frank Costa, President NEXGEN Protection Services —

A core principle of buy-in strategies is simple: when people feel personally invested in an activity, they are more likely to want to see it succeed. However, many organizations fail to make frontline employees feel that their involvement is vital to the success or failure of the company. One effective way to foster this sense of ownership is by creating an inclusive workplace.

“When people feel cared for in the workplace, that sense of care often extends to their attitudes toward coworkers, customers, and leadership.”

From a security standpoint, this means involving employees in shaping security policies, procedures, and changes. It’s essential to gather input directly from those on the frontlines to ensure that security measures align with the needs of both employees and customers. Addressing their concerns and questions helps strengthen overall security efforts.

Building connections, trust, and inclusivity can yield substantial benefits for security. “It doesn’t take much to lose trust, but if leaders can foster it and create an environment of psychological safety, that trust can spread throughout the organization.”

Source:
Meyer, C. (July 3, 2025). To Increase Security, Invest in Inclusion. Security Management Magazine.



Security Protection: Conflict, Confusion & Chaos

Security Protection: Conflict, Confusion & Chaos

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

By 2025, emerging “rogue actors” will operate with increasing impunity as countries fragment—geographically, ethnically, and ideologically. Established political parties, both left and right, are in systemic decline, steadily losing primary vote shares to insurgent candidates and parties across the political spectrum.

For security professionals, the message is clear: the landscape is becoming more complex. However, with the right tools and strategies, it’s still possible to manage risks and seize opportunities. Technology will play a crucial role in identifying incidents, delivering personalized risk information, and supporting the fieldwork, local knowledge, and analysis provided by risk professionals.

The most resilient organizations in this fragmenting world will combine advanced technology with “human-in-the-loop” strategies, enabling better decision-making in an increasingly unpredictable environment.

Source:
(2025, Jan 06). An Era of Conflict: Navigating a ‘Fragmenting World’ in 2025. Security & Business Resilience.

Hashtags: #protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats


Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Strengths Come Down to Human Error

Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Strengths Come Down to Human Error

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

Automated threat detection and prevention, advanced intelligence, and AI-driven supply chain attacks—AI today has evolved significantly beyond the days of basic pattern matching.

While human error and uncertainty may initially amplify AI risks, it is ultimately the oversight of AI—the collaboration between humans and algorithms—that will enable us to safely innovate and explore this technology. AI itself is designed to be a positive force, unlocking value and improving efficiency.

However, AI cannot be left unchecked. The best way for organizations to mitigate AI risks is through increased education and employee training. People must know what to look for, and more broadly, you can never overemphasize the importance of cyber awareness training. Even beyond AI, there are countless ways to compromise an individual system or its information, and the digital landscape is constantly evolving.

The more we can educate employees and strengthen security measures across the board, the better prepared organizations will be to remain compliant, resilient, and scalable in this new era.

Source:
(2025, Jan 17). 3 Ways AI Will Transform Security in 2025. Security Education & Training.

Hashtags: #protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Organized Retail Crime: Strategies for Mitigating Loss

Organized Retail Crime: Strategies for Mitigating Loss

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

To effectively combat organized retail crime, retailers must establish strong partnerships with industry associations, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant stakeholders. Such collaboration enables the exchange of intelligence, best practices, and emerging trends, allowing for a proactive response to the evolving nature of organized crime.

Partnership with Law Enforcement:
Close collaboration with law enforcement is critical. Retailers should establish direct communication channels with local police departments and develop protocols for promptly reporting organized crime incidents.

Training Store Associates:
Education and awareness are key to preventing organized crime. Retail employees must receive comprehensive training on identifying organized crime indicators, understanding theft patterns, and implementing effective prevention techniques.

Source:
Brittain, J. (2025, January 14). Retail’s Dangerous Triangle: Trafficking, Trucking, & Organized Theft. Loss Prevention Magazine.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats


How Security Is Shaping the Cannabis Industry

How Security Is Shaping the Cannabis Industry

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

A surveillance system can help protect your business from theft, particularly employee theft, which is a widespread issue in the cannabis industry. For large outdoor growing operations, having a monitoring system in place provides peace of mind by securing your property from all angles at all times.

Source:
Baxter, K. (2025, January 13). How security is shaping the cannabis industry. Security InfoWatch.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Mitigate Losses to the Supply Chain with Robust Security Protection

Mitigate Losses to the Supply Chain with Robust Security Protection

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

Companies lose billions of dollars annually due to cargo theft. Many manufacturers don’t realize their shipments have been stolen until it’s too late, often discovering the issue only when the shipment fails to arrive on the expected date.

To mitigate losses in the supply chain caused by security threats, key protection measures include:

  • Thorough vendor vetting
  • Robust access controls
  • Data encryption
  • Continuous monitoring
  • Incident response planning
  • Supply chain visibility through technology
  • Diversifying suppliers
  • Implementing strong cybersecurity practices across all tiers of the supply chain, ensuring all partners adhere to the same security standards.

Source:
Fryer, N. (2025, January 18). How transportation management systems mitigate supply chain risks for manufacturers. Security InfoWatch.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Remote Video Monitoring: The Future of Security for Businesses

Remote Video Monitoring: The Future of Security for Businesses

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

The future of security isn’t just on our doorstep — it’s breaking down the front door.
The security industry has experienced unprecedented advancements in technology and public policy, reshaping the way we approach safety and protection. And this rapid pace of change shows no signs of slowing.

Remote video monitoring (RVM) is poised to become a non-negotiable security tool for businesses — and soon, for homes.

2025 is not just about better security; it’s about smarter, proactive protection. RVM will be at the center of this shift.

This innovative approach addresses the limitations of on-site security guards and traditional surveillance systems. By integrating AI into RVM, businesses can mitigate human error, significantly reduce costs, and set new industry standards. Those who harness the power of AI for RVM will be well-positioned to thrive in this new era.

 

SOURCE: 

Selinger, D. 2025 will mark a turning point in physical security tech. Here’s why. Deep Sentinel, 12/20/2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Supply Chain Attacks: Exploiting Third-Party Vulnerabilities

Supply Chain Attacks: Exploiting Third-Party Vulnerabilities

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

The cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. With the rise of sophisticated attack methods, the integration of new technologies, and increasing connectivity across sectors, businesses are facing more complex cybersecurity threats than ever before. Staying informed and prepared is critical to protecting data, maintaining trust, and ensuring business continuity.

Supply Chain Attacks

As businesses increasingly rely on external vendors and partners, supply chain attacks have become a significant cybersecurity concern. In these attacks, threat actors infiltrate a company’s system by compromising a third-party provider, gaining access to multiple organizations through a single vulnerability.

How to Prepare:

  • Vendor Risk Assessments: Conduct thorough security assessments for all vendors and partners to identify potential vulnerabilities.
  • Contractual Security Requirements: Include cybersecurity clauses in vendor contracts to ensure security standards are upheld.
  • Network Segmentation: Isolate critical systems from external partners to prevent attackers from moving freely within your network.
  • Continuous Monitoring: Use real-time monitoring to track vendor activity and detect any unusual behavior early.

 

SOURCE: 

Top Cybersecurity Threats to Watch in 2025: How Businesses Can Prepare, Boston Institute of Analytics, 11/14/2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

The Importance of Parking Lot Security During the Holiday Season

The Importance of Parking Lot Security During the Holiday Season

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

The holiday season brings increased activity to shopping centers, office complexes, and other public spaces, making parking lots prime targets for various security threats. Understanding these risks and implementing effective countermeasures can help reduce threats to both individuals and property.

With large crowds and busy lots, personal safety risks such as assaults, robberies, and carjackings become more prevalent. Criminals often target individuals carrying cash, credit cards, or valuable items. To counteract these threats, mobile security cameras equipped with motion sensors and two-way communication can provide an added layer of safety. These cameras enable security personnel to monitor isolated areas more closely. The ability to relocate cameras based on real-time data and activity trends ensures that security coverage can adapt to shifting risks, providing a more comprehensive safety strategy.

To mitigate these security threats, parking lot owners should invest in enhanced lighting, permanent and mobile surveillance systems, increased security patrols, and emergency call stations. Mobile security cameras, in particular, offer a versatile and dynamic solution for monitoring parking lots. These cameras can be repositioned as needed, provide real-time surveillance, and serve both as a deterrent and a responsive tool for addressing security issues.

Additionally, patrons should practice personal safety measures, such as parking in well-lit areas, staying vigilant, and securing their belongings. By combining strategic security technologies like mobile cameras with proactive safety practices, property owners, managers, and patrons can work together to create a safer and more secure environment during the busy holiday season.

 

SOURCE: 

Survey: Parking lot safety influences holiday shopping habits, Security Magazine, 2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats