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How August Can Create New Opportunities for Cybercriminals.

Aug 6, 2026

As summer comes to an end, many businesses are preparing for a busy season. Employees return from vacations, new projects begin, budgets are reviewed, and purchasing activity often increases. While these changes help organizations prepare for the months ahead, they also create opportunities for cybercriminals.

August may not seem like a high-risk month for fraud, but it often brings changing schedules and disrupted routines. Key decision-makers may still be out of the office, employees may be covering unfamiliar responsibilities, and departments are processing a higher volume of invoices and payment requests. These factors can make fraudulent emails more difficult to identify.

One of the most common threats during this time is Business Email Compromise (BEC). In these scams, criminals impersonate executives, vendors, or trusted business partners to convince employees to transfer money or share sensitive information. The emails are often well-written and designed to look like legitimate business communications.

Fraudsters frequently rely on urgency. An email may claim that a payment must be made immediately because an executive is traveling or a vendor has updated its banking information. The goal is to pressure employees into acting quickly before verifying the request.

That’s why established procedures are so important. Every payment request, banking change, or financial transaction should follow the same approval process, regardless of who is sending the request. If something seems unusual, verify it using a trusted phone number or another approved communication method instead of replying directly to the email.

Late summer is also a good time to review internal controls. Make sure backup approvers understand company procedures while managers are away. Review vendor verification processes, confirm that approval workflows are current, and remind employees to report suspicious requests rather than acting on them immediately.

Technology can also strengthen fraud prevention. Email security tools, multi-factor authentication, and payment verification systems help reduce risk, but they are most effective when paired with employee awareness. Even the best technology cannot prevent every scam if someone bypasses established procedures.

Creating a culture of awareness is one of the strongest defenses against fraud. Encourage employees to slow down when handling financial requests, ask questions when something feels unusual, and follow company policies every time. A few extra minutes spent verifying a request can prevent significant financial and operational disruptions.

As businesses prepare for the busy fall season, consistency becomes one of the most valuable risk management tools. Cybercriminals often succeed when organizations are distracted or rushed. By following established processes and taking the time to verify unexpected requests, businesses can better protect their employees, finances, and reputation throughout the year.