Amid a surge in scams and fraudulent activities costing Utah residents millions, a powerful new coalition is taking action. The Utah Fraud Prevention Coalition brings together banks, credit unions, law enforcement, business associations and local governments to protect the financial security of the state’s residents and businesses. By pooling resources, expertise and technology, the coalition aims to detect, prevent and educate the public about fraudulent activities.

“Every day, Utahns are facing new and more sophisticated threats to their financial security,” said Howard Headlee, president of the Utah Bankers Association. “The Utah Fraud Prevention Coalition represents a vital partnership between the public and private sectors to enhance consumer protection and preserve trust in our financial systems.”

Fraudulent schemes — including identity theft, phishing scams and financial fraud — have seen a significant uptick in recent years, costing Utahns over $55.2 million in the first two quarters of 2024, according to newly released Federal Trade Commission data. Those losses are compared to $32.6 million for the same time period in 2022 and $36.4 million in 2023.

“Fraud is our common enemy, and the coalition leverages our collective strength to eliminate this threat,” said Scott Simpson, president of the Utah Credit Union Association. “It’s going to take education, relentless communication, and the eyes and ears of all Utahns to better safeguard our communities against these threats.”

Coalition Leadership

The coalition’s board members represent a cross-section of financial institutions and law enforcement:

• Howard Headlee, President and CEO, Utah Bankers Association
• Scott Simpson, President and CEO, Utah Credit Union Association
• Sharlene Wells (Chair), SVP PR & Organizational Communications, Mountain America Credit Union
• Brian Stevens (Vice Chair), EVP, Chief Information Officer, Bank of Utah
• Robby Johnson, Fraud Operations Director, America First Credit Union
• Shaun Hegsted, EVP People, Operations, Technology and Risk Management, Zions Bancorporation
• Mary Woodard, VP Business Development, Granite Credit Union
• Ronald Passey, VP BSA Officer, State Bank of Southern Utah
• Chief Kelly Bennett, Utah Chiefs of Police Association

“Utahns are facing significant pressures from increasingly sophisticated fraudsters,” says Sharlene Wells, chair of the Utah Fraud Prevention Coalition. “Our coalition is committed to developing unified communications, ensuring that all partners deliver consistent messaging to cities, towns, businesses, customers and members across Utah.”

Key Coalition Partners

The coalition is pleased to partner with organizations throughout the state who will commit to assisting with distributing critical fraud prevention communication. First-stage partners include:

• Utah Association of Chambers
• Utah League of Cities and Towns
• Utah Chiefs of Police Association 

Throughout the coming months, the coalition will be conducting financial institution, business and government forums to solicit input from fraud experts throughout the state to develop a uniform strategy and messaging to combat common fraudulent activities.