Merchant Risk Monitoring Investigator

Upgrade•Atlanta, GA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

We're looking for an experienced, detail-driven investigator to join our Merchant Risk Monitoring team. In this role, you'll be on the front lines of protecting borrowers and preventing financial loss — identifying suspicious merchant behavior, investigating fraud and abuse, and taking action before problems escalate. This isn't a passive monitoring role. You'll own investigations from initial alert through resolution, work closely with a fast-moving team, and directly influence risk outcomes. If you thrive in a high-stakes environment where your work has real impact, this role is for you.

Requirements

3–5 years of experience in fraud investigations, merchant monitoring, operational risk, or a closely related field within financial services or payments.
Strong analytical instincts — you can interpret complex data, spot patterns, and connect dots across large transaction sets.
Experience conducting background research, adverse media reviews, and regulatory/licensing checks.
Clear, precise written communication — you can distill a complex investigation into a report that's easy to act on.
Comfortable working independently and managing multiple open cases at once in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency with data analysis tools, risk platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite; experience with AI-assisted research tools is a plus.
Bachelor's degree in business, finance, criminal justice, risk management, or a related field.
English is required for all positions, as it involves interacting with staff at Upgrade's offices worldwide.

Nice To Haves

Background in home improvement lending, contractor-funded loan programs, or merchant acquiring.
Familiarity with Jira, case management systems, or investigation tracking platforms.
Experience collaborating with or supporting a borrower outreach or rapid response team.
Exposure to regulatory environments such as CFPB, state licensing frameworks, or contractor compliance requirements.
CFE, CRM, or similar certification is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

Monitor merchant accounts on an ongoing basis, identifying anomalies, suspicious patterns, and early warning signs of fraud or borrower abuse.
Lead investigations into fraud, compliance violations, contractor misconduct, licensing issues, and abnormal loan activity — from intake through resolution.
Dig into transaction data, account history, and performance metrics to uncover root causes and build a clear evidentiary record.
Conduct background research on merchants, including criminal history, regulatory violations, negative news, and reputational red flags.
Prepare thorough, well-organized investigation reports with findings, risk assessments, and recommended actions for leadership and cross-functional partners.
Work with Risk, Compliance, Legal, and Operations teams to implement mitigation strategies and escalate high-risk situations appropriately.
Contribute to the development of risk frameworks, monitoring protocols, and investigative playbooks to strengthen the team's capabilities over time.
Stay current on industry trends, regulatory changes, and fraud schemes relevant to merchant services and home improvement lending.