Financial Fraud Investigator

Overview

The Fraud Investigator is responsible for protecting UW Credit Union and its members from financial crime through the investigation of suspicious activity, money laundering, account abuse, scams, and fraud. Serving as a subject matter expert in financial crime detection and investigation, this role has a primary focus on anti-money laundering (AML) investigations and supporting the credit union's BSA/AML compliance program, while also assisting with complex fraud investigations and member escalations.

This position analyzes account activity, transaction patterns, and emerging fraud and money laundering typologies to identify risks, conduct thorough investigations, and develop effective risk mitigation strategies. Responsibilities include documenting investigative findings, supporting regulatory reporting requirements, collaborating with law enforcement and other financial institutions, and contributing to educational outreach, special projects, and cross-functional initiatives.

Successful candidates will be comfortable working independently and making sound decisions in complex situations that may involve significant financial exposure, regulatory considerations, and competing priorities. They will possess strong analytical skills, investigative curiosity, and the ability to identify connections across multiple sources of information.

The Fraud Investigator regularly works with members during stressful and often emotional situations and must communicate with empathy while effectively gathering information and resolving concerns. Strong written and verbal communication skills, teamwork, and a commitment to knowledge sharing are essential. This role serves as a leader within the Loss Prevention team and collaborates closely with departments across UW Credit Union to protect members and strengthen the organization's overall financial crime prevention efforts.

Case Investigation & Resolution

• Investigate incidents of confirmed or suspected fraud, including researching transactions and other electronic evidence and by conducting telephone or in-person interviews with members, witnesses, and employees.
• Document case activities and analyze findings to determine reimbursement statuses, limitations of services, and eligibility of membership for UW Credit Union members.
• Perform root‑cause analyses of cases and fraud trends to make recommendations for fraud risk mitigation.
• Prepare detailed case narratives and assemble evidence for Law Enforcement reporting.
• Participate in Law Enforcement investigations, including serving as a witness in court proceedings.
• Provide guidance to the Fraud Analysts and Senior Fraud Analysts by reviewing high‑risk cases, member escalations, and situations that have a potential of high‑dollar loss to UW Credit Union or our members.

Fraud Intelligence

• Maintain a high level of awareness of industry trends, active scams, and fraud methods.
• Serve as subject‑matter expert for cross‑functional projects.
• Communicate fraud trends within the department and throughout the organization as appropriate.
• Partner with the Fraud Managers to develop Fraud Prevention programs which may include collaborating with internal and external partners to establish and implement policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with Fraud Managers to perform risk assessments and make recommendations for proactive fraud risk mitigations.
• Develop a network of fraud contacts in financial institutions and Law Enforcement agencies.

Case Management, Analysis, and Reporting

• Manage assigned cases and fulfill necessary actions for timely resolution, including phone and written contact with members, account maintenance, and referring cases to Fraud Managers for review.
• Maintain accurate records in the fraud…