
Regions Bank fraud is on the rise, and it's essential to be aware of the warning signs. According to recent statistics, Regions Bank reported a significant increase in fraudulent activity in 2022, with a 25% rise in attempted scams.
Be cautious of suspicious transactions on your account, as scammers often try to steal your money by making small, frequent withdrawals. These transactions may seem insignificant, but they can quickly add up.
Regions Bank has implemented various security measures to protect its customers, including two-factor authentication and real-time monitoring of suspicious activity. However, no system is foolproof, and it's crucial to stay vigilant.
If you're a Regions Bank customer, take a closer look at your account statements and report any unusual activity to the bank immediately.
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Regions Bank Scandals
Eric Jason Schouest, a former Regions Bank manager, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for embezzlement and bank fraud. He exploited his position of trust to embezzle funds from customers and deposit the money into his personal bank accounts.
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Schouest had the authority to access customer accounts, instruct others to open and close accounts, issue cashier's checks, and transfer funds in and out of customer accounts. He used this authority to embezzle more than $250,000 from Regions customer accounts.
The scheme involved sending false and fraudulent emails and forging documents to conceal his actions from other Regions Bank employees. Schouest also used some of the embezzled funds to make loan payments on personal items like a house and a car.
The investigation into Schouest's actions was a multi-agency effort involving the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, the United States Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and the U.S. Secret Service.
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Regulatory Actions
Regions Bank has faced regulatory actions in the past, including a $137.5 million settlement with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) in 2017.
The OCC found that Regions Bank had failed to properly implement anti-money laundering (AML) and Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) requirements, resulting in a significant risk to the bank's reputation and customer trust.
Regions Bank also agreed to pay a $70 million fine to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in 2013 for deceptive mortgage practices, including failing to disclose certain fees and charges to customers.
Former Regions Manager Gets 30 Months for Embezzlement

A former Regions Bank manager has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for embezzlement and bank fraud. Eric Jason Schouest was found guilty of exploiting his position of trust to embezzle funds from customers and deposit the money into his personal bank accounts.
Schouest was employed at Regions Bank from 2010 to 2021 as a branch manager overseeing business transactions and practices at the Regions Bank Plank Road branch. He had the authority to access customer accounts, issue cashier’s checks, and transfer funds in and out of customer accounts.
Schouest's scheme involved sending false and fraudulent emails and forging documents to conceal his actions from other Regions Bank employees. He used some of the embezzled funds to make loan payments on personal items such as a house and a car.
The total loss to Regions Bank was over $250,000. Schouest was also ordered to pay $86,375.89 in restitution and serve two years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.
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CFPB Orders $191 Million Payment

The CFPB has been cracking down on financial institutions, and one notable case involves a $191 million payment. This massive fine was ordered due to the company's failure to comply with consumer protection laws.
The CFPB found that the company engaged in deceptive and unfair practices, which led to significant financial harm for thousands of consumers. This is a stark reminder that companies must prioritize transparency and fairness in their business dealings.
The payment is a result of a lengthy investigation by the CFPB, which uncovered a pattern of misconduct by the company. This investigation highlights the importance of regulatory oversight in protecting consumers.
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Types of Fraud
Regions Bank fraud can take many forms, and it's essential to be aware of the different types to protect yourself.
One common type of fraud is identity theft, where a scammer steals your personal information, such as your Social Security number or driver's license number.
Phishing scams often target Regions Bank customers, where scammers send fake emails or texts that appear to be from the bank, asking for sensitive information.
Credit card skimming is another type of fraud, where scammers attach a device to an ATM or gas pump to steal your credit card information.
Online banking scams involve scammers creating fake online banking websites or apps that look like the real thing, but are actually designed to steal your login credentials.
Phone scams, where scammers call you claiming to be from Regions Bank, are also on the rise, asking for sensitive information or money.
ATM scams, where scammers use a device to steal your card information at an ATM, are a common type of fraud.
Online auction scams involve scammers selling fake or non-existent items on online auction sites, often using Regions Bank to process payments.
Regions Bank itself has been the target of various types of fraud, including business email compromise scams, where scammers email employees with fake requests for money.
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Surge in Fraud

Regions Bank has seen a surge in fraud cases, with a significant increase in reported incidents. According to data, the bank's total reported fraud cases have risen by 25% over the past year.
Scammers are using various tactics to target Regions Bank customers, including phishing emails and phone calls. These tactics aim to trick victims into revealing sensitive information.
Regions Bank is taking steps to protect its customers, including implementing advanced security measures and increasing customer education. This includes providing tips and resources to help customers identify and avoid potential scams.
In 2020, Regions Bank reported over 10,000 cases of suspected fraud, with losses totaling over $50 million. This highlights the need for vigilance and caution when dealing with financial transactions.
Customers can take steps to protect themselves by regularly monitoring their accounts and reporting any suspicious activity to the bank. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, individuals can reduce their risk of falling victim to a scam.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to report bank fraud to bank?
Contact your bank directly to report bank fraud, and also report unauthorized transactions to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-382-4357
Sources
- https://www.americanbanker.com/news/how-regions-bank-unwittingly-invited-a-surge-in-check-fraud
- https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdla/pr/former-regions-bank-manager-sentenced-30-months-embezzlement-and-bank-fraud-scheme
- https://oig.ssa.gov/news-releases/2024-04-18-former-regions-bank-manager-indicted-for-embezzlement-and-bank-fraud-scheme/
- https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-orders-regions-bank-pay-191-million-for-illegal-surprise-overdraft-fees/
- https://www.regions.com/help/report-fraud
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