Fraud Prevention Specialist

Fraud Prevention Specialist

This position can be located in Buffalo, Gillette, Sheridan, Douglas or Newcastle branches; however Sheridan is the preferred location.

The Fraud Prevention Specialist is responsible for identifying, investigating, and helping prevent fraudulent activity affecting the Bank and its customers. This position monitors transactions and account activity, investigates suspected fraud, communicates with customers and employees, analyzes fraud trends, and prepares related documentation and reports. The Fraud Prevention Specialist supports the development of fraud prevention practices, provides employee education, and collaborates with internal departments, financial institutions, law enforcement, and other external parties to protect customer information, Bank assets, and the integrity of banking operations.

Essential functions:

• Monitor customer transactions, account activity, and fraud alerts using the Bank's fraud detection systems and other available resources to identify suspicious or potentially fraudulent activity.
• Investigate suspected fraud by reviewing transaction history, account information, supporting documentation, system records, and other relevant information to determine the nature, scope, and potential impact of the activity.
• Communicate with customers to verify transactions, respond to fraud concerns, provide appropriate guidance, and assist with protective measures in accordance with Bank policies and procedures.
• Document fraud investigations, maintain accurate case records, and prepare reports regarding suspected fraud, identified losses, recovery efforts, trends, and recommended actions.
• Coordinate fraud prevention and investigation activities with Bank departments, other financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, vendors, and other appropriate parties while maintaining confidentiality and complying with applicable legal requirements.
• Analyze fraud activity, emerging schemes, data trends, and loss patterns to identify vulnerabilities and recommend improvements to fraud monitoring systems, internal controls, processes, and preventive measures.
• Assist with developing, implementing, and maintaining fraud prevention policies, procedures, controls, and response practices to reduce fraud exposure and support regulatory compliance.
• Provide fraud awareness training and ongoing guidance to employees regarding fraud indicators, emerging threats, escalation procedures, and preventive practices.
• Maintain current knowledge of fraud trends, banking products and operations, Bank policies, applicable regulations, and industry fraud prevention practices.
• Actively participate in customer, community, and public relations activities to increase the bank's visibility and enhance new business opportunities.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Working knowledge of banking operations, fraud detection practices, investigative methods, internal controls, and regulatory requirements affecting financial institutions.
• Ability to identify suspicious activity, evaluate fraud indicators, conduct fact-based investigations, and recommend appropriate corrective or preventive action.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills with the ability to evaluate transaction activity, identify patterns, research discrepancies, and draw reasonable conclusions.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to prepare and maintain clear, accurate, and complete investigation records and reports.
• Ability to communicate sensitive or complex information clearly and professionally to customers, employees, management, law enforcement, and other external parties.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills with the ability to exercise sound independent judgment within established authority.
• Ability to handle confidential customer, employee, and Bank information with integrity and discretion.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize investigations, manage multiple cases, and complete required follow-up within established timeframes.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with internal departments and external partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and the ability to learn and effectively use fraud monitoring, core banking, document management, and reporting systems.
• Adaptability and commitment to maintaining current knowledge of emerging fraud schemes, regulatory changes, banking technology, and industry practices.
• Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, accountability, and ethical behavior while fostering trust and respect.
• Promotes an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative workplace by valuing diverse perspectives and treating customers and coworkers with dignity.
• Consistently demonstrates and promotes the Bank's Core Values: Exceptional Customer Service – Everyone matters, always. Family Driven – Ours, yours, we put family first. Community Focused – Our communities are the backbone of our business. Communication – Open, clear, and honest communication is key. Teamwork – Individuals working together to achieve a common goal.

Education/Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, criminal justice, or a related field preferred.
• OR
• Two (2) years of banking, financial services, fraud prevention, investigations, risk management, compliance, or related experience preferred.
• Experience reviewing transaction activity, researching suspicious activity, conducting investigations, or documenting fraud cases preferred.
• Experience in fraud detection or prevention within a financial institution preferred but not required.
• Professional certifications in fraud examinations (e.g., Certified Fraud Examiner - CFE) are preferred but not required.
• An equivalent combination of education, relevant experience, and professional training may be considered.

Supervisory:

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities and may serve as a mentor for other positions in the organization.

Working Conditions:

• Normal office environment.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to type, carry, handle, and feel objects, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds or more with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Multitask; perform tasks in an open office environment with noise from conversations, office machines, or other distracting sounds.
• Keep track of assigned tasks
• Occasionally may be exposed to upset customers during everyday activities or work under stress caused by anxious or impatient customers.

First Northern Bank is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristics. First Northern Bank will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and feel you need a reasonable accommodation pursuant to the ADA, please contact us at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

*The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

This document is intended to describe this job's general content and performance requirements. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or needs and does not imply a contract.