Fraud Investigator

Synovus Bank•Charlotte, NC

About The Position

Conducts investigations of potential or suspected financial crimes and fraud, using systems and investigative techniques to collect, collate, and analyze financial and background information. Makes informed decisions concerning client account status and retention, evaluates high-risk accounts and potential watch-list matches, and assesses suspicious or questionable account activity. Analyzes data to determine whether cases should be referred to law enforcement or prosecutors and takes appropriate action to stop or prevent data or monetary losses. The role investigates suspected financial crimes and fraud, conducts enhanced due diligence on designated high-risk clients, gathers and analyzes evidence across multiple assignments, and prepares complete case documentation and final investigation reports. It involves interviewing clients, employees, and suspects; tracing transactions; calculating attempted fraud and confirmed losses; maintaining case records; preparing Suspicious Activity Reports; and coordinating with internal teams and, when appropriate, law enforcement. The investigator also assists with reviewing internal controls, identifying procedural breakdowns, and recommending measures to prevent future losses. The position requires safeguarding highly sensitive investigation information, complying with applicable laws and policies, and supporting distinctive client service.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Three years of fraud or financial crimes experience, including transaction monitoring, investigative research, and analysis of potentially suspicious activity.
Ability to sit for long periods.
Regular ability to talk and hear.
Ability to use hands and reach.
Ability to see objects up close or at a distance, use peripheral vision, and identify basic colors.
Ability to lift or exert force up to 10 pounds; weight or force exertion is required less than 10% of the time.
Ability to travel; travel is required less than 10% of the time.

Responsibilities

Investigate suspected financial crimes and fraud.
Perform enhanced due diligence on clients designated as high risk, including international and large-cash clients.
Use bank systems, processes, and contacts as resources for investigations.
Develop investigation plans and gather, analyze, and compile evidence for multiple case assignments.
Prepare case documentation and complete final investigation summary reports.
Enter investigation activities and detailed field notes into the case management database within five business days.
Calculate attempted fraud amounts and total losses for confirmed fraud cases.
Interview clients, employees, and suspects.
Trace financial transactions and review the background and financial profile of suspected individuals.
Work with senior team members and management to determine whether cases should be closed, recovered, or charged off after investigative leads and recovery potential are exhausted.
Close cases in the case management database.
Communicate with office staff to obtain client information and supporting materials for documentation, reports, and risk mitigation.
Assist office personnel with client interviews concerning specific alerted transactional issues when necessary.
Escalate cases to the applicable Pinnacle department or team based on case details.
Compile confidential case documents for referral to Corporate Security when law enforcement involvement may be required.
Prepare case-related Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and forward them to Pinnacle Compliance within 30 days.
Hand off investigations to Pinnacle Audit and/or Compliance when team members are involved.
Assist in assessing internal controls and procedures, identifying control breakdowns, and recommending ways to prevent future losses.
Assist in determining new procedures to prevent, detect, and investigate fraud.
Maintain updated information in systems and required files and documentation; ensure records are complete and available for review and audit.
Comply with regulatory requirements, security requirements, and applicable policies, and identify control and procedural issues.
Protect highly sensitive information related to fraud investigations.
Participate in special projects as required.
Observe policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and role-specific risk limits, and report known or suspected violations to the appropriate Company authority in a timely manner.
Meet clients' business and personal financial needs and refer them to specialty areas such as Trust, Investments, Insurance, and Treasury Management as appropriate.
Assist other team members as needed to ensure delivery of distinctive service.
Perform other related duties as required.