Fraud Investigator

This is a remote position. Summary: This position is responsible for assessing various situations and identifying risks to related to fraud to the bank and its clients. The investigator works closely with various retail banking and operations teams to assist with fraud investigation and deterrence against First Foundation Bank. This role requires the ability to triage work assigned; conduct research utilizing various methods and provide clear and timely documentation of all findings. Must be analytical and focused with the ability to analyze documents and reports. Remains apprised of industry fraud trends, using knowledge and experience to detect instances of fraud and prevent bank loss. Duties and Responsibilities: • Understands and complies with requirements of all laws and regulations applicable to the position • Monitors fraud alert transactions through the Bank’s transaction monitoring software to identify unusual or suspicious account activity and/or financial crime patterns related to ATM/Debit cards, credit cards, new accounts, checks, and loans • Perform a series of reviews utilizing various tools and reports to identify potentially fraudulent activities on new/existing deposit and loan accounts • Thoroughly research incidents and/or allegations and interact with other departments and other banks, companies, or local, state, and federal authorities when necessary • Provide excellent customer service to clients impacted by fraud, ensuring we help as appropriate including detection of identity theft and elder financial abuse and related reporting • Review of new accounts, negative balance accounts, ACH reports, Fiserv fraud notifications, and any suspicious activity on an existing account • Assist in the preparation and completion of reports and case file documentation as required to ensure adherence to policies and procedures • Utilize bank systems and resources to evaluate accounts and situations that may require unique treatment and a specialized approach • Interview victims, witnesses, and/or suspects to obtain details of an incident • Present case summaries to the management team as needed • Analyze transactional data, assessing historical client activity to help make determinations of irregular activity • Responsible for composing case narratives and completion of the initial Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) recommendation and justification • Assist with editing and updating internal departmental procedures • Provide training and guidance to new or less experienced team members • Performs other duties as assigned Salary Range: The salary range budgeted for this position represents the Company's good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The compensation offered to a candidate may vary depending on several factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, experience, and location. Geographic Location: • Irvine, CA: $60,100 - $84,200 (Annually) Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a First Foundation Inc. position. Currently, we cannot sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an Employment Visa. Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Education and/or Experience: • The successful candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent combination of education and experience; 3+ years of direct experience in the Fraud Investigations field preferred. • 5+ years of banking experience in retail, operations, compliance, or BSA setting is required. Skills: • Working knowledge of current bank fraud investigative and interviewing techniques. • Works independently to continuously monitor, review, analyze, detect, and prevent unauthorized or fraudulent activity. • Strong written and verbal communication skills. • Effective time management and organizational skills. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods; use hands to operate controls on a computer; reach with hands and arms for phone and computer work; and communicate on the phone wearing a headset for extended periods. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. This job description is subject to change at any time. First Foundation is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, and status as a qualified individual with a disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apply tot his job