Financial Fraud Investigator

About the Role

The Fraud Investigator is responsible for protecting UW Credit Union and its members from financial crime through the investigation of suspicious activity, money laundering, account abuse, scams, and fraud. Serving as a subject‑matter expert in financial crime detection and investigation, this role focuses on anti‑money laundering (AML) investigations and supports the credit union's BSA/AML compliance program, while also assisting with complex fraud investigations and member escalations. The position analyzes account activity, transaction patterns, and emerging fraud and money‑laundering typologies to identify risks, conduct thorough investigations, and develop effective risk‑mitigation strategies. Successful candidates work independently, make sound decisions in complex situations involving significant financial exposure and regulatory considerations, and communicate with empathy during stressful member interactions.

Responsibilities

• Case Investigation & Resolution: Investigate incidents of confirmed or suspected fraud, including researching transactions and other electronic evidence and conducting telephone or in‑person interviews with members, witnesses, and employees. Document case activities and analyze findings to determine reimbursement statuses, service limitations, and membership eligibility. Perform root‑cause analyses of cases and fraud trends to recommend risk mitigation. Prepare detailed case narratives and assemble evidence for law‑enforcement reporting. Participate in law‑enforcement investigations, including serving as a witness in court. Provide guidance to Fraud Analysts and Senior Fraud Analysts by reviewing high‑risk cases and member escalations that could result in high‑dollar loss.
• Fraud Intelligence: Maintain a high level of awareness of industry trends, active scams, and fraud methods. Serve as a subject‑matter expert for cross‑functional projects. Communicate fraud trends within the department and across the organization. Partner with Fraud Managers to develop fraud‑prevention programs, collaborate with internal and external partners to establish policies and procedures, and perform risk assessments with proactive mitigation recommendations. Develop a network of fraud contacts in financial institutions and law‑enforcement agencies.
• Case Management, Analysis, and Reporting: Manage assigned cases and take necessary actions for timely resolution, including phone and written contact with members, account maintenance, and referral to Fraud Managers. Maintain accurate records in the fraud case‑management system in accordance with UWCU procedures and state/federal guidelines. Recognize and report emerging fraud trends to prevent losses. Apply expertise to develop cross‑functional recommendations addressing emerging fraud patterns and mitigation tools. Ensure compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and other AML laws and regulations.
• Fraud Detection & Risk Mitigation: Evaluate accounts for potentially suspicious or fraudulent activity with sound judgment and high accuracy. Take actions to prevent losses, such as contacting members, locking accounts, and suspending services. Collaborate with the Fraud Systems Coordinator to prepare fraud analysis reports for management. Work with Fraud Managers to develop and maintain internal Fraud WIKI articles of best practices and provide feedback to internal partners.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, or a related field (required).
• 6–7 years experience within a financial institution or in financial‑crimes roles (required).
• 6–7 years experience in loss‑prevention (fraud) (required).

Skills

• Ability to develop rapport with members through phone calls, email, and secure messages.
• Confidence in escalation resolution and strong empathy.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent organizational skills; ability to work independently and prioritize multiple concurrent responsibilities.
• Adaptability to fast‑paced and changing environments.
• Technical proficiency with computers, mobile devices, major web browsers, operating systems, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Capability to educate members, internal partners, and at‑risk community members about scams and fraud trends in presentations.
• Knowledge of fraud‑team functions and ability to represent those interests in cross‑functional meetings.
• Effective coaching and constructive feedback skills.
• Knowledge of regulations: Reg CC, Reg E, and Reg Z.
• Familiarity with lending products, lending processes, and credit‑bureau reports.

Benefits

• 21.5 days of annual time off (accrued per pay period).
• 2 weeks paid caregiver leave.
• 2.5 weeks paid new‑child parental leave.
• 2 days paid volunteer time.
• 10 paid holidays (including your birthday).
• 401(k) company match up to 5% plus approximately 4% discretionary match.
• Variable bonus reward.
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans, including domestic partner eligibility.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Additional perks and programs.

All employees must possess valid work authorization to work for UWCU on the date of hire. UWCU does not provide immigration sponsorship or support for employment authorization, including but not limited to H‑1B, F‑1 OPT, TN, or other visa categories.