Fraud Detection Specialist

Tompkins Community Bank•Passau, New York

About The Position

The Fraud Detection Specialist identifies, investigates, and mitigates potential fraud and identity-theft risks by analyzing transactional activity and account behavior. The role uses fraud detection systems and investigative tools to assess suspicious activity, support case resolution, and recommend actions. It contributes to fraud prevention by identifying emerging trends, maintaining accurate documentation, and supporting regulatory reporting requirements. The position focuses on proactive fraud detection and risk mitigation, thorough investigations and case resolution, accurate and timely regulatory filings such as Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), intelligence gathering and trend analysis, and collaboration with internal stakeholders and external institutions. The specialist prepares investigative summaries and reports, supports loss reporting and resolution, and identifies opportunities to improve fraud detection processes and tools.

Requirements

High school diploma required.
At least three years of experience in fraud detection, investigations, or financial crimes within financial services or a related industry.
Strong knowledge of fraud risks across multiple payment channels, including check, ACH, wire, mobile deposit, and debit/credit card transactions.
Demonstrated ability to analyze data, identify trends, and evaluate transactional patterns.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple investigations simultaneously and meet deadlines.
Effective interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to collaborate across internal and external stakeholders.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word.

Nice To Haves

Additional education in criminal justice, finance, business, or a related field.
Relevant professional certifications, such as CFS, CFE, or CFRS.
Solid understanding of banking operations and regulatory expectations related to fraud and financial crimes.

Responsibilities

Review alerts generated by fraud detection systems and analyze account and transaction activity.
Use data, reports, and investigative tools to identify and assess potential fraudulent behavior.
Conduct detailed investigations using internal and external data sources.
Document findings, maintain case files, and support loss reporting and resolution activities.
Prepare and submit Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Ensure investigations and documentation meet audit and compliance standards.
Communicate with internal stakeholders, branches, and external financial institutions.
Partner with fraud and financial crimes units to validate fraud activity and identify trends.
Prepare investigative summaries and reports for management and stakeholders.
Identify patterns, trends, and opportunities to enhance fraud detection processes and tools.