Serving Credit Professionals Since 1899

Recently, I heard AI and cybersecurity expert Burton Kelso make a statement that has stayed with me: "Cybercrime is a human problem." At first, that may seem counterintuitive. We often think of fraud as a technology problem that can be solved with better software, stronger passwords, or more sophisticated security systems. However, while technology plays an important role, every fraud attempt ultimately depends on convincing a person to trust the wrong email, click the wrong link, approve the wrong payment, or overlook the wrong detail.

In other words, people are both the greatest vulnerability and the greatest defense.

One example Mr. Kelso shared was an accounts receivable interception scam. Criminals quietly gain access to a company's email system, study billing patterns for weeks, and then intercept invoices before they reach the customer. They create nearly identical invoices, changing only the payment instructions so the funds are routed to the scammer's account. By the time anyone realizes what happened, the payment has gone to the scammer.

Every successful scam diverts resources that businesses could otherwise invest in their employees, serve their customers, and grow their companies. As fraud continues to evolve alongside artificial intelligence, organizations must evolve just as quickly.

The encouraging news is that there are practical steps every organization can take to reduce their risk. Mr. Kelso shared several practical ideas.

The first is to build a strong human firewall. Technology plays an important role, but well-trained employees remain the most effective defense against fraud. Organizations that encourage continuous learning, regularly discuss emerging threats, and create a culture where employees feel comfortable asking questions are far better positioned to recognize suspicious activity before it becomes a costly mistake.

Second, adopt a "Don't Dial the Invoice" rule. If an invoice or payment request seems unusual, don't rely on the phone number or contact information printed on the document. Instead, independently look up the company's contact information and verify the request using a trusted source. Better yet, use multiple methods to confirm that payment instructions are legitimate before any funds are sent.

Finally, establish a company safe word for high-risk financial requests. With AI making it increasingly easy to clone voices and impersonate trusted leaders, a verbal password can provide an extra layer of protection. If someone claiming to be your CEO, CFO, or board chair calls with an urgent request to transfer funds or take another sensitive action, asking for the agreed-upon safe word can help confirm their identity before any money changes hands.

Building a strong human firewall isn't something we accomplish once. It requires continual learning because the threats are continually changing. None of us can assume that what we learned last year—or even last month—is enough to protect our organizations today.

That's one of the greatest benefits of belonging to a professional community. We learn from experts. We learn from one another. We learn from members who are willing to share what they've experienced before the rest of us become the next target.

At NACM BCS, that's one of our most important responsibilities: bringing members together to learn from experts and from each other so we can better serve and protect our organizations.

I hope you'll join us for this year's Fall Credit Forum on November 5. The entire day is dedicated to helping businesses better understand and defend against today's evolving fraud threats. With Frank Abagnale as our keynote speaker and a lineup of experts sharing practical strategies, it's an investment in both your organization and your team. Early-bird pricing is available through August 28, and I hope you'll consider registering your entire team today.

Technology will continue to evolve. Fraud will continue to evolve.

But the strongest firewall any organization can build isn't made of software—it's made of people who never stop learning.

Back to School Time!

Free Up the Credit Manager’s Time by Modernizing A/R and Obtaining Payments Faster

Wednesday, 8/5/2026 from 12:00PM-1:00PM PT

FREE webinar hosted by UTA

Traditional A/R processes weren’t built for the way modern businesses operate. Join United TranzActions (UTA) for a free live session on how to fix that — from invoice to cash application.

Learn how automation can streamline invoicing, reduce DSO, automate cash application, and simplify reconciliation. The session will feature Billfire, a UTA partner solution, and demonstrate how integrated digital payments can reduce manual work, accelerate funding, and create a faster, more convenient payment experience for your customers.

Sponsored by

Automation Panel Discussion

Tuesday, 8/18/2026 from 12:00PM-1:00PM PT

Members – FREE / Non-Members – $25

Join us for an engaging webinar exploring how automation is shaping the future of commercial credit management. This panel discussion brings together industry professionals from a range of sectors to share perspectives on evolving workflows, emerging tools, and the balance between efficiency and risk.

Moderated by Yessine Alvarez of CreditSafe, the conversation will highlight real-world experiences, practical considerations, and forward-looking insights for credit managers navigating an increasingly automated landscape.



Whether you’re just beginning to explore automation or looking to refine your current approach, this session will offer valuable takeaways and fresh ideas.

Credit Card Surcharging

Wednesday, 9/2/2026 from 12:00PM-1:00PM PT

FREE Webinar – Hosted by UTA

Join United TranzActions (UTA) for an educational webinar on credit card surcharging. Learn how surcharging works, key compliance considerations, and strategies that may help businesses offset credit card processing costs while maintaining a positive customer payment experience.

Sponsored by

The Why of AI: Building the Business Case

Wednesday, 9/16/2026 from 11:00AM-12:00PM PT

Members – FREE / Non-Members – $25

AI is no longer a future concept—it’s already shaping how work gets done. But for many professionals, especially those working in risk-aware, compliance-focused environments, the real challenge isn’t what AI is—it’s how to engage with it confidently and responsibly. In this engaging, fast-paced webinar, Jamie Champagne cuts through the hype and fear surrounding AI and focuses on what actually matters: practical use, real business value, and smart conversations with leadership.

This session is designed for people who want to engage with technology—not avoid it or work around it. Register today!



Make a note in your calendar about the following educational programs coming this Fall. Great speakers and presentations; and networking opportunities, too. Details will be included in upcoming enews editions.

Building Blacks Summit & Social - September 9

Alaska Fall Forum - September 24

Hawaii Fall Forum - October 16

Western WA Fall Forum - November 5

NACM National Credit Congress, Las Vegas - June 13-16, 2027

Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn, connect, and unwind with fellow credit and finance professionals—all at no cost to you, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Handle.com.

The BuildingBlocks Summit & Social begins with lunch, networking, and a welcome reception before four outstanding speakers share practical strategies, fresh industry insights, and ideas you can put to work immediately. The day wraps up with cocktails, dinner, and Topgolf, giving you even more time to build valuable professional connections in a relaxed setting.

This is not a sales event—it's an investment in the credit community. Whether you attend on your own, bring members of your team, or invite colleagues from other companies, you'll leave with new ideas, new relationships, and renewed energy.

Registration is complimentary, but space is limited. Reserve your spot today—and invite your team to join you!

Western Washington Fall Credit Forum

November 5, 2026

8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the Museum of Flight

The Western Washington Fall Credit Forum is one of NACM BCS's premier educational and networking events—and registration is now open.

This year's program features an outstanding lineup of speakers covering topics that extend well beyond commercial credit, including fraud prevention, cybercrime, business strategy, leadership, and emerging trends affecting today's business environment. You'll leave with practical ideas and fresh perspectives you can put to work immediately.

If you have colleagues who would benefit from these conversations, invite them to join you. Whether they work in finance, accounting, operations, leadership, sales, risk management, or another business function, they'll find valuable insights throughout the day.

Register today—and encourage business associates and others in your organization who may be interested, to attend with you.

Early Bird pricing goes through August 28th and there are special group prices! We look forward to seeing your team at one of the year's most valuable professional development events.

Register here



Featuring special guest, Frank Abagnale

Share your expertise. Shape the industry's outlook.

The Credit Managers' Index (CMI) is powered by the insights of credit professionals like you. Your participation helps provide a trusted snapshot of business credit conditions and supports informed decision-making across the industry.

Take a few moments to complete the August CMI and help strengthen the outlook for the months ahead.

Complete the survey: https://nacm.org/cmi.html

Be sure to cast your votes in your upcoming local primaries. Your participation counts! Make your thoughts be known.

Washington - August 4th

Hawaii - August 8th

Alaska - August 18th

Are you trying to fill or find a position? Use our Job Center!

Take advantage of the Job Center at nacmbcs.org. If you're having trouble filling a position in your company or looking for a new job, use this opportunity to reach a lot of people!

It's easy to post an opening. Just fill out the form. After that, the most viewed part of our website will get attention to your needs. If you're looking for a job, the list of openings we know about is updated regularly.

Best of all, it's a free service that comes with membership in NACM BCS. Check it out today.

Click here for the Job Center

www.nacmbcs.org

800-423-5710

Serving the commercial credit profession since 1899