In the vast arena of banking, there stand few as expert and compassionate as Tammy Kramer. With 35 years of banking experience under her belt, Tammy’s journey, ranging from the counters as a teller to the senior vice president for compliance and security, reflects her unwavering dedication to ensuring financial safety for bank customers.

Tammy’s unparalleled expertise doesn’t merely stem from her position; it’s the hands-on experience. She’s faced the heartbreak of witnessing customers fall prey to scams. She has seen it all. There was an incident once when a client had been led to believe he had won the Publisher’s Clearing House prize. The man had called the bank to let them know that a huge sum of money would be coming in a secure truck shortly and that they should make preparations for its arrival. Unfortunately, this situation served as yet another sobering reminder of why fraud safety is so important. Not only did the truck not show up, but the fraudster had already gotten some of the man’s money in exchange for winning the prize. This man’s conviction remains a sobering reminder of why her role is so crucial.

Tammy has also seen the rise of more concealed frauds like check fraud. With scammers growing bolder and stealing checks right from postal service mailboxes to manipulate them, she realized the importance of proactive prevention. Tammy has played a pivotal role in launching the bank’s fraud education sessions, ensuring that customers are empowered with the right knowledge. One such session introduced text alerts for transactions, acting as an early warning system for potential unauthorized activities.

Romance scams, particularly spiking during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, caught her attention. With fraudsters using personal relationships to exploit bank customers, Tammy, with Hickory Point Bank’s strong IT team, is continuously enhancing cybersecurity measures, ensuring no loophole goes unchecked. Her commitment to securing clients’ assets is evident. She is part of multiple banking and fraud groups, ensuring that she and her team are always ahead of the curve.

Empathy At the Core

What truly sets Tammy apart is her profound empathy. She recognizes the embarrassment and vulnerability that fraud victims feel. She’s made it her mission to ensure that customers know that they are met with understanding and a genuine effort to rectify the situation at Hickory Point Bank.

Tammy’s role in the compliance department has enabled her to mold the staff into becoming vigilant watchdogs for any signs of fraud, ensuring that the bank’s fight against scams is a collective effort. They regularly conduct 1:1 educational sessions, ensuring that each team member is adept at identifying and addressing potential threats and regularly have discussions with clients about how they can better safeguard against fraud.

Stories of Hope

For every disheartening story, there’s one of hope. Tammy recalls an incident where an individual, scammed into sending $10,000 through a romance scheme, was saved by the bank’s timely intervention. These success stories amplify Hickory Point Bank’s relentless pursuit of a secure banking environment.

In Conclusion

Tammy’s advice for customers is simple: “Don’t share your password, be wary of unsolicited remote access requests, and always consult with your banker.” Tammy underscores the fact that fraud doesn’t discriminate based on age. Whether it’s an elderly individual or a college student, everyone’s at risk, and education remains our best defense.

Tammy Kramer is more than just a senior vice president at Hickory Point Bank. She’s a guardian, a beacon of hope, and the embodiment of the bank’s commitment to its customers. Under her watchful eyes and the dedicated Hickory Point Bank team, customers can bank with confidence, knowing they’re in the safest hands.

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