Fraud Detection Specialist
Tompkins Financial
Fraud Detection Specialist
Tompkins Financial
Community banking wealth and insurance
Position Summary
Responsible for identifying, investigating, and mitigating potential fraud and identity theft risks through the analysis of transactional activity and account behavior. Utilizes fraud detection systems and investigative tools to assess suspicious activity, support case resolution, and provide actionable recommendations. Contributes to the organization’s fraud prevention efforts by identifying emerging trends, ensuring accurate documentation, and supporting regulatory reporting requirements.
Position Goals
Fraud Detection and Risk Mitigation – Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate potential fraud and identity theft risks through transaction monitoring, data analysis, and investigative practices.
Investigations and Case Resolution – Conduct thorough investigations and provide well-supported recommendations to resolve suspicious activity and minimize organizational loss.
Regulatory Compliance and Reporting – Ensure accurate and timely completion of required regulatory filings, including Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), in accordance with established policies and standards.
Intelligence Gathering and Trend Analysis – Identify emerging fraud patterns and trends through data analysis and collaboration with internal and external partners to strengthen fraud prevention strategies.
Stakeholder Collaboration and Communication – Partner with internal departments and external institutions to validate information, share insights, and support a coordinated approach to fraud detection and prevention.
Fraud Monitoring and Detection
Review alerts generated by fraud detection systems and analyze account and transaction activity
Utilize data, reports, and investigative tools to identify and assess potential fraudulent behavior
Investigations and Case Management
Conduct detailed investigations using internal and external data sources
Document findings, maintain case files, and support loss reporting and resolution activities
Regulatory Reporting and Compliance
Prepare and submit Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) in accordance with regulatory requirements
Ensure investigations and documentation meet audit and compliance standards
Collaboration and External Engagement
Communicate with internal stakeholders, branches, and external financial institutions
Partner with fraud and financial crimes units to validate fraud activity and identify trends
Reporting and Continuous Improvement
Prepare investigative summaries and reports for management and stakeholders
Identify patterns, trends, and opportunities to enhance fraud detection processes and tools
Key Success Factors
Communication: Fosters effective communication by engaging stakeholders with empathy and professionalism, adapting messaging to diverse perspectives, and coaching others to enhance their communication skills. Promotes transparency and constructive dialogue, even in challenging situations, to support a collaborative work environment.
Problem Solving & Decision Making: Demonstrates strong problem-solving and decision-making skills by proactively identifying root causes, evaluating risks, and using data-driven analysis to navigate ambiguity. Applies the Tompkins decision-making model, takes ownership of outcomes, and confidently recommends solutions based on sound judgment and collaboration.
Risk Management:Demonstrates proactive risk management by anticipating and evaluating risks—both in action and inaction—while making informed decisions even with incomplete information. Stays current with industry trends, engages in business continuity planning, and provides strategic input to leadership, balancing innovation with operational stability.
Customer Focus: Prioritizes customer understanding and feedback to inform decisions, enhance relationships, and improve the customer experience. Collaborates across teams to deliver added value through strong partnerships and shared insights.
Planning & Results Orientation: Effectively communicates expectations and allocates resources to ensure timely, high-quality outcomes, while continuously identifying process improvements and addressing performance gaps. Actively contributes to projects through planning, execution, and collaboration.
High School Diploma required, additional education in criminal justice, finance, business, or a related field preferred
Minimum of three years of experience in fraud detection, investigations, or financial crimes within financial services or a related industry
Relevant professional certifications (e.g., CFS, CFE, CFRS) preferred
Strong knowledge of fraud risks across multiple payment channels, including check, ACH, wire, mobile deposit, and debit/credit card transactions
Solid understanding of banking operations and regulatory expectations related to fraud and financial crimes preferred
Demonstrated ability to analyze data, identify trends, and evaluate transactional patterns
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple investigations simultaneously and meet deadlines
Effective interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across internal and external stakeholders
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word
Tompkins is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") with respect to all team members and applicants for employment and a work environment free from discrimination (including unlawful harassment) based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender non-conformity, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, marital status, domestic violence victim status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, military or veteran status or status in any group protected by federal, state, or local law.
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Community banking wealth and insurance
Tompkins Financial is a financial holding company for community banking, wealth-management, and insurance businesses. Local relationship teams operate with shared risk, technology, finance, compliance, and corporate capabilities. Its regional affiliates provide deposit, lending, investment, trust, planning, and insurance services to households and organizations. The profile is Tompkins Financial and its affiliated operating companies in New York and Pennsylvania. Roles span branch banking, lending, wealth, insurance, operations, technology, risk, and professional support.
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