Fifth Third Bank rolled out SmartShield in an effort to help customers spot spoofing scams.
WLS
ByJason Knowles
Friday, October 2, 2026 10:38PM
CHICAGO (WLS) –As banks face increasingly sophisticated scams, some are introducing new technology aimed at helping customers identify fraudulent texts, calls and voicemails before they fall victim.
The warning comes during Cybersecurity Month, as consumer advocates and <a href="https://bitcomme.com/financial-report-estimates-impact-of-tax-rate-election-for-round-rock-isd-voters/” title=”Financial report estimates impact of tax rate election for Round Rock ISD voters”>financial institutions continue to see scams in which fraudsters impersonate banks, claim accounts have been compromised and pressure customers to move money.
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Fifth Third Bank recently introduced a feature called SmartShield within its mobile app. The tool is designed to help customers identify potential phishing attempts by allowing them to submit screenshots or images of suspicious messages for review.
“The bank is never going to proactively reach out to you and ask you to move money,” said Jamie Heidrich of Fifth Third Bank.
According to the bank, SmartShield’s “report phishing” feature allows customers to upload screenshots of texts, emails or voicemail transcripts that appear suspicious.
The bank then analyzes the submission to determine whether it matches a known or emerging scam.
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“And so the ‘report phishing tool’ is a simple and easy way for customers to submit what they believe might be a scam, in order for the bank to provide that feedback to them. Whether it’s real or not,” Heidrich said.
During a demonstration, a voicemail claiming a charge had been made for a Galaxy S26 Ultra was submitted through the tool.
Chase Bank said it uses a multi-layered approach to protecting customer accounts. The bank said it may place a temporary hold on an account if suspicious activity is detected to verify that the activity is being conducted by the account holder and not a fraudster.
All banks continue to warn that phishing and spoofing scams often rely on convincing messages, phone calls and fake caller ID information designed to appear legitimate.
Fifth Third said its fraud center also provides guidance for customers who may have already interacted with a scam.
“If you did already click on a link, we wanna make sure that we are giving you clear, simple guidance,” Heidrich said.
Experts advise consumers to be cautious of unsolicited communications claiming to be from banks or law enforcement agencies.
Customers who receive suspicious calls or messages are encouraged to hang up and contact their bank directly using the phone number listed on their bank card or through the bank’s official mobile app
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