Fraud Investigator

Synovus•Charlotte, IA

About The Position

Conducts investigations of potential or suspected financial crimes and fraud. Uses bank systems and a variety of investigative techniques and tools to collect, collate, and analyze financial and background information, then makes informed decisions concerning client account status and retention. Identifies and evaluates high-risk accounts, potential watch-list matches and dispositions, and other suspicious or questionable account activity. Analyzes data to determine when cases should be submitted to law enforcement or prosecutors for potential legal action. Helps stop or prevent data and monetary losses by assessing internal controls and procedures related to financial crimes and fraud cases. The role develops investigative plans, gathers and analyzes evidence, prepares case documentation and final investigation reports, and maintains detailed records in a case-management database. It includes interviewing clients, employees, and suspects; tracing transactions; reviewing individuals’ backgrounds and financial profiles; coordinating with internal departments; and escalating or referring cases when needed. The investigator also assists with control assessments and fraud-prevention procedures, maintains sensitive information securely, complies with regulatory and company requirements, and supports client needs and service delivery.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 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; talk and hear regularly; use hands and reach; see objects up close and at a distance, use peripheral vision, and identify basic colors.
Ability to lift or exert force up to 10 pounds; this is required less than 10% of the time.
Travel required less than 10% of the time.

Responsibilities

Investigate suspected financial crimes and fraud, including performing enhanced due diligence on regulator-designated high-risk clients such as international and large-cash clients.
Use bank systems, processes, and contacts to develop investigative plans and gather, analyze, and compile evidence across multiple cases.
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 and loss amounts for confirmed cases, and close cases in the database.
Interview clients, employees, and suspects; trace financial transactions; and review the backgrounds and financial profiles 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.
Communicate with office staff to obtain client information and supporting documentation, and assist with client interviews about specific alerted transactions when needed.
Escalate cases to applicable departments or teams; compile confidential documents for Corporate Security referrals when law enforcement involvement may be required; and prepare case-related Suspicious Activity Reports for Pinnacle Compliance within 30 days.
Hand off investigations to Pinnacle Audit or Compliance when team members are involved.
Assist in assessing internal controls and procedures, identifying control breakdowns, recommending loss-prevention measures, and determining procedures to prevent, detect, and investigate fraud.
Maintain system information, required files, and documentation; ensure records are complete and available for review and audit; comply with regulatory requirements, security rules, and applicable policies; and protect sensitive investigation information.
Participate in special projects 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 as appropriate.
Assist other team members to support distinctive service delivery.
Perform other related duties as required.