Im Just Here for the Commercials... But Let’s Talk About What Really Matters for Banks and Credit Unions During Major Events

The Super Bowl and Daytona 500: two of America’s favorite pastimes. Some of us tune in for the action, some for the halftime shows, and let’s be honest—most of us are just here for the commercials. But while we’re laughing at a baby selling stocks or a talking dog pitching insurance, there’s a far less entertaining reality happening behind the scenes: a spike in human trafficking activity.

For financial institutions like banks and credit unions, these events aren’t just about nachos and clever ads. They’re high-alert periods when traffickers ramp up activity, often hiding in plain sight through suspicious transactions. So, how do you train teammates to spot the red flags and report them effectively without turning it into a two-hour crime thriller? Let’s break it down.

Knowing What to Look For: The Playbook

First things first: we’re not asking you to turn every transaction into a conspiracy theory. Your job isn’t to Sherlock Holmes your way through every deposit. Instead, teammates need to know the basics of spotting real issues without overthinking or overreporting.

Here’s your highlight reel of red flags:

? Weird Timing: Transactions at odd hours, like 3 a.m., might make sense for an owl-themed diner—not so much for most other businesses.

? Sketchy Locations: Payments tied to hotels, short-term rentals, or transportation hubs near big events could warrant a closer look.

? Suspicious Business Profiles: Does this “massage parlor” in the middle of nowhere really need five different payment processors? Probably not.

? Pattern Overload: It’s not just one transaction—it’s repeated payments to known trafficking hotspots or platforms used for escort ads.

Think of it like spotting a bad commercial: one awkward ad might just be bad luck, but if it’s a series of cringe-worthy attempts, you know something’s off.

Reporting: From Red Flag to Real Action

Here’s where the game plan matters. Spotting a red flag is just step one. The real MVPs are the teammates who know how to escalate it quickly and efficiently.

1. Don’t Overthink It

If something seems off, it probably is. Trust your gut and move it up the chain. There’s no penalty for being cautious—better safe than banking the bad guys.

2. Follow the Process

Every financial institution should have a clear escalation path. Whether it’s filing a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) or looping in compliance, teammates need to know exactly who to call and what to do.

3. Be Quick, Not Sloppy

Timing matters. Law enforcement can’t act on something they don’t know about. The sooner you report, the sooner they can take action. But remember—include the details they actually need, not a novel.

4. Collaboration is Key

You’re not in this alone. Partnerships with organizations like local law enforcement or anti-trafficking groups can make a huge difference. Think of them as your special teams unit. The Knoble Anti-Human Trafficking Intelligence Initiative (@TeamATII)

Why It Matters

Sure, the commercials are fun, and the halftime show might break the internet, but for financial institutions, the real action is happening in the data. Human traffickers rely on financial systems to move money, and catching them requires everyone to play their part.

Major events like the Super Bowl or Daytona 500 might be the big leagues for traffickers, but they’re also prime opportunities for banks and credit unions to show what they’re made of. By training teammates to recognize red flags, report efficiently, and collaborate with law enforcement, we can make a tangible impact in disrupting these networks.

The Bottom Line

So, yes—enjoy the commercials. Laugh at the talking animals. Debate whether that ad really needed a celebrity cameo. But when you’re back at work, remember that the stakes are high. Teammates at financial institutions are in a unique position to tackle human trafficking head-on.

And hey, if all else fails, just ask yourself: would this transaction make sense in a commercial? If the answer is no, it’s probably time to report it.

Lets do this Fraud Fighters!