Protecting Your Business from ACH Fraud

Posted on October 15, 2026 at 8:28 AM

10 Ways to Help Keep Your ACH Transactions Secure

Protecting your business from fraud is an important part of managing electronic payments. If your business uses ACH Services to send or collect payments, having the right safeguards in place can help prevent unauthorized transactions, protect account information, and reduce the risk of financial loss.

Here are 10 ways to help keep your business's ACH transactions secure:

1. Use Dual Control for ACH Payments

Requiring more than one employee to manage ACH payments adds an important layer of security. Assign separate responsibilities for creating, reviewing, and approving transactions so no single employee controls the entire process.

For example: One employee prepares an ACH payment file, while another reviews and approves it before submission.

2. Verify Account Information

Before adding a new payment recipient or changing existing banking information, confirm the account details are accurate. Use available account validation tools or prenotifications when appropriate, and independently verify requests to update payment instructions.

Helpful Tip: Always verify changes to banking information, even when the request appears to come from a familiar vendor or business partner.

3. Use Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) provides an additional layer of security when accessing Business Digital Banking. MFA is required at login using either a physical security token or a token generated through an app on your phone. Keep authentication devices and codes secure, and never share them with anyone.

4. Confirm Payment Changes Directly

Fraudsters may impersonate vendors, employees, or business partners to request changes to payment instructions. Before updating ACH payment information, contact the individual or business using a trusted phone number already on file. Avoid relying on contact information provided in an email requesting the change.

For example: If a vendor emails updated banking instructions, call your established contact to verify the request before making changes.

5. Monitor ACH Transactions Daily

Review your business's ACH transactions and account activity each business day to identify unusual or unauthorized activity. Watch for unfamiliar payments, unexpected changes, or transactions that don't match your records. Regularly reconciling your accounts can help identify potential issues sooner.

6. Establish Appropriate Payment Limits

ACH transaction limits can help reduce your business's exposure to unauthorized payments. Set individual and daily transaction limits that align with your business's payment activity. Review these limits periodically and adjust them as your business needs change.

7. Manage Employee Access

Limit Business Digital Banking access based on each employee's job responsibilities. Review user permissions regularly and promptly update or remove access when employees change roles or leave your business.

Helpful Tip: Each employee should use their own login credentials. Never share usernames, passwords, or security tokens.

8. Keep Devices and Software Secure

Protect the computers and devices used to access Business Digital Banking. Keep operating systems, security software, and firewalls updated. Use trusted, secure networks and avoid accessing business accounts from public or shared computers.

9. Review ACH Templates and Payment Information

ACH templates can make recurring payments more convenient, but stored payment information should be reviewed regularly. Limit access to authorized employees, verify saved account details, and remove outdated or unnecessary templates and payment records.

10. Train Employees to Recognize Fraud

Employees are an important part of your business's fraud prevention efforts. Provide regular training on common fraud tactics, including phishing emails, fraudulent payment requests, and attempts to change vendor banking information. Encourage employees to question unusual requests, verify payment changes, and report suspicious activity promptly.

Protecting Your Business Accounts

Keeping your business accounts secure requires ongoing attention. As an ACH originator, your business plays an important role in maintaining accurate payment information, following appropriate security procedures, and monitoring transaction activity.

If you notice an unauthorized or suspicious ACH transaction, contact Iowa State Savings Bank immediately.

By establishing strong internal controls, reviewing account activity regularly, and helping employees recognize potential fraud, your business can take meaningful steps to reduce risk