Fraud Prevention and Risk Investigations - Senior Investigator

TITLE: SR INVESTIGATOR
STATUS: EXEMPT
REPORTS TO: FRAUD PREVENTION AND RISK INVESTIGATIONS MANAGER
DEPARTMENT: FRAUD PREVENTION AND RISK INVESTIGATIONS
JOB CODE: 11453

PAY RANGE: $81,400.00 - $83,500.00 ANNUALLY

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Senior Investigator is a highly experienced level position in the department. Independently processes high risk functions to ensure all applicable regulations with FACTA and criminal prosecutions are being followed. The Senior Investigator is responsible for investigating complex cases involving possible fraud with loan, deposit, card, and escalated fraud cases on behalf of members and the Credit Union. Responsible for law enforcement cases from preparation, to processing and finalizing case disposition, including testifying in court. Subject Matter Expert (SME); has analytical and decision-making abilities and good judgment and may provide assistance to others as needed. Responsible for ensuring that the staff have adequate training related to Fraud, helps prepare staff for certification readiness, annual risk assessments, and may work closely with internal and external auditors and examiners throughout their engagement to ensure accuracy, timeliness and completeness of deliverables. Responsible for departmental metric and management level reporting. Responsible for training and coaching of new and existing employees across various business lines and execute special investigations involving Secret Service and Internal Investigations.

TASKS, DUTIES, FUNCTIONS:

1. Takes lead in handling complex investigations. Apply complex skills and techniques appropriate for this position to identify and mitigate fraud, including but not limited to; elder abuse, unauthorized transactional activities, falsifying loan applications, irregular IP usages, plastic card usage patterns, reports of unusual or suspicious member activity which would be in violation of BSA reporting requirements, trends that may suggest a card compromise or other fraud is underway and take steps to mitigate losses to the credit union. Compiles detailed reports on fraud cases, submits to and discusses cases with law enforcement. Refers only the most difficult issues to management.
2. Review and recommend action in pursuit of recovery. Closely documents every phase of the review process using advanced knowledge of state/federal regulations and Visa requirements. Support the credit unions core value for financial stability, ensuring members can rely on the company’s financial strength and security by conducting investigations, reviews and analysis relating to new account openings, ongoing account monitoring and all fraud requirements mandated by federal law. Regularly communicates and interacts with members, law enforcement, branch/department personnel and merchants, to provide assistance on all fraud and dispute matters.
3. Collect, evaluate and document all evidence obtained during an investigation for recovery or legal action.
4. Provides documentation for legal proceedings which may include acting as a witness. 
5. Files Mandate reporting for Elder/Dependent abuse cases via SOC to appropriate counties and law enforcement.
6. Inform management of significant concerns and provide recommendations to reduce risk and/or losses.
7. Respond or post Investigation requests to CrimeDex, an online service network dedicated to stopping crime that may include different forms of fraud for example, missing person cases, auto theft and other forms of organized crime.
8. Assist the BSA/Compliance department regarding Fraud and AML (FRAML) concerns, provide training/education to members, and acts as a resource for all team members regarding a variety of fraud scenarios. Assist in development and facilitation of fraud prevention and awareness for all branch and HQ staff as applicable.
9. Assist with auditing Specialist and Investigator roles’ BSA narratives prior to submitting to BSA department. 
10. Follow current fraud trends and gather information via industry events, forums, and publications. Work with other financial institutions, law enforcement, and processors to identify and mitigate fraud in the industry with the goal to reduce losses to the credit union. Prepare daily, weekly and/or monthly reports identifying industry fraud trends, internal trending and or potential fraud activities, as requested.
11. Research member accounts in all systems related to transaction history and item research, as required, to effectively identify and react to potential fraud. Makes decisions regarding, account closures and restrictions. Evaluate member transactions and relationship for unusual, suspicious, or high-risk activity, for potential SAR filing.
12. Work at uncovering various internet-based cybercrimes including skimming and phishing, and respond accordingly to minimize losses, with reports to leadership, law enforcement, and notification to members as necessary.
13. Complete courses/training related to department related certification programs with the intent to become a certified professional.
14. Facilitate completed training courses for all Financial Investigations staff.
15. Comply with all established internal audit, security and credit union rules, regulations and departmental procedures. Assist with the maintaining of satisfactory audits and examinations.
16. Maintain confidentiality of documentation and communications to and from members, law enforcement, other institutions and vendors.
17. Responds to law enforcement agencies and financial institutions requesting documentation and/or images to support investigations involving credit union losses and National Security Letters. Provides relevant testimony and expertise at criminal proceedings.
18. Assist with Fraud and Forensic Internal Investigation as necessary.
19. Be able to perform all duties within the department and other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND EXERTION UTILIZED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THESE TASK:

1. Effective oral and written communication skills required to assist other staff, constructively follow-up on member inquiries, communicate clearly with management, and perform other related tasks.
2. Must possess sufficient manual dexterity to skillfully operate an on-line computer terminal and other standard office equipment, such as financial calculators, personal computer, facsimile machine and telephone.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTACTS & RELATIONSHIPS:

1. INTERNAL: All business units and departments as needed.
2. EXTERNAL: Federal, state, and local law enforcement, vendors and business partners, and industry peers as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or comparable field preferred or comparable years of experience in fraud prevention and risk investigations.
2. EXPERIENCE: 7+ years previous FRAML/Card Fraud Experience with an emphasis in the investigation and processing of deposit, loan or card fraud, dispute claims according to Visa Regulations, AML reporting and all other fraud related regulation experience, or a minimum of law enforcement experience in an investigative role.
3. KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS:
   • Advanced knowledge of the fraud investigations, anti-money laundering and dispute processes.
   • Maintain a thorough understanding of state and federal laws and regulations related to credit union compliance including OFAC Sanctions, Executive Orders, FACTA, Reg. CC, Reg. E, UCC, Check 21, Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-Money Laundering laws appropriate to position.
   • Advanced organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize daily activities and multi-task to complete assignments and assist the team.
   • Strong attention to detail in investigating files with an emphasis on timelines and recovery.
   • Effective oral and written communication skills, ten key, advanced PC knowledge of Windows environment, and filing logic; knowledge of Credit Union and Visa, products, services, policies, and procedures.
   • Must be self-motivated and capable of exercising sound judgement, working both independently as well as in a team environment.
   • Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external contacts.
   • Strong sense of ethics and professionalism.
   • Positive and enthusiastic personality with the ability to handle sensitive member situations in a caring/considerate manner.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Prolonged sitting throughout the workday with occasional mobility required.
2. Corrected vision within the normal range.
3. Hearing within normal range. A device to enhance hearing will be provided if needed.
4. Occasional movements throughout the department daily to interact with staff, accomplish tasks, etc.

LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS:

None required with a goal of attaining at least one of the following certifications or equivalent: Professional Certified Investigator (PCI), Certified Fraud Investigator (CFI), Certified Financial Crimes Investigator (CFCI), Certified Credit Union Compliance Expert (CUCE), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Bank Secrecy Act Compliance Specialist (BSACS)  as well as, or Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS).

REV. 7/1/2024