Fraud Investigator I (Hybrid)

About the Role

The Fraud Investigator I is a key role in the Fraud Investigations Unit of the Corporate Fraud Division. This position conducts comprehensive external fraud investigations on check fraud, wire fraud, account takeover, identity theft, new account fraud, elderly exploitation, and other types of fraud to detect and prevent fraud losses to the bank and its customers. The role involves reviewing allegations of suspected fraud, analyzing data, making critical decisions, interviewing witnesses and suspects, and reporting findings. The investigator facilitates fraud recovery to minimize losses and serves as a liaison with business lines, financial institution partners, and law enforcement.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and manage external fraud cases (e.g., check fraud, new account fraud, elder exploitation, wire fraud, online takeover) ensuring timely and accurate documentation with concise case summaries.
• Conduct research, compile, save, and retrieve data for investigative reports.
• Review surveillance systems and extract photos/videos for use by the bank and law enforcement.
• Use internal and external resources to obtain forensic evidence for investigative purposes.
• Notify and collaborate with law enforcement and prosecutor’s office regarding criminal cases; may attend criminal and civil court proceedings.
• Conduct interviews of employees, suspects, witnesses, and other related parties.
• Facilitate fraud recovery efforts to minimize losses to the bank and customers.
• Prepare and submit Suspicious Referral Forms (SRF) for final submission of Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) as required.
• Provide business lines with support and guidance on fraud incidents and unusual/suspicious activity.
• Offer guidance to customer victims on fraud prevention (e.g., ID theft, wire fraud, malware, phishing).
• Stay current with emerging fraud trends by attending workshops and training.
• May participate in the Bank’s Business Continuity Plan and Emergency Response plan.
• Assist the Fraud Operations Unit with fraud monitoring and analysis report management as needed.
• Perform additional assignments as directed by the Fraud Investigations Team Lead or Manager.
• Travel to off-site locations for investigative purposes as required.
• Prioritize tasks to meet deadlines while ensuring accuracy.
• Maintain confidentiality of fraud methods and investigations.
• Build relationships with internal/external stakeholders, including law enforcement and financial institutions, to collaborate on investigations.
• Network with private, public, and government sectors to assist in fraud investigations.
• Adhere to federal and state laws, regulations, and guidance (e.g., Bank Secrecy Act, US PATRIOT Act, Regulations E, CC, GG, V, FCRA, FACT Act, NACHA, Visa Operating Rules).
• Comply with Bank policies and procedures, complete required training, and report suspicious activity.

Requirements

• College degree in Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity, or related field preferred.
• 3-5 years of prior fraud investigation experience in a financial institution preferred.
• Experience with check fraud, identity theft, ATM/debit card fraud, bank operations, and related fraud types.
• Experience with recovery rights for various types of check fraud (altered, forged, endorsement) and EFT claims (ACH and debit/ATM).

Skills

• Strong understanding of financial transactions and bank products/services.
• Working knowledge of bank systems and transaction types.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong research and problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of regulations/acts pertinent to job functions (e.g., Regulations E, CC, Bank Secrecy Act).
• Understanding of state and federal criminal statutes.

Candidates residing within BankUnited's footprint may be given preference.