The Fraud Investigator independently conducts complex investigations related to fraud across all non-card channels at Frontwave Credit Union. The position requires sound judgment, critical thinking, and strict adherence to Frontwave’s core values while mitigating fraud risk. Responsibilities include evaluating activity for potential Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) filings involving Zelle fraud, scams, elder financial exploitation, and law enforcement referrals, as well as reviewing high-risk transactions such as wire transfers, ACH, and digital payments to protect the Credit Union and its members.
About Frontwave Credit Union:
Frontwave Credit Union is a member-owned not-for-profit financial institution serving San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino and Imperial counties. Founded in 1952, we have grown to 18 branches with 125,000 members and manage over 1.8 billion in assets. At Frontwave Credit Union, we are focused on creating consumer solutions to provide our members and the communities we serve with products and services that enhance the quality of life for our members through exceptional service and the progressive application of technology.
What’s In It For You:Competitive pay, 401k matching, mortgage and auto discounts.9-27 days of PTO per year (based on tenure), VTO and 11 paid holidays.Affordable medical, dental, vision health plans, and Flexible Spending Account.Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services.Career development, training, and coaching, mentoring; tuition reimbursement up to $4,000/year.Culture of excellence and continuous improvement.We strive to be the best place you’ve ever worked!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Includes the following non-inclusive list. All duties are to be performed in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and Credit Union policies and procedures:
Meet departmental goals and objectives.
Review and analyze fraud alerts and account activity to identify suspicious or unusual behavior across non‑card channels.
Analyze transactional and historical data, including wires, ACH, and Zelle, to detect fraud and determine appropriate action.
Conduct fraud investigations to assess risk and determine Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) filing requirements, including cases involving Zelle fraud, scams, and elder financial exploitation.
Take risk‑based actions to mitigate fraud, including placing account holds, restricting services (including Zelle), recommending account closure, and coordinating recovery efforts.
Prepare and maintain accurate investigative documentation, including SAR narratives, reports, declarations, and evidence for potential criminal action.
Coordinate with members, internal departments, law enforcement, Adult Protective Services (APS), and external partners while providing excellent member service and fraud‑prevention education.
Monitor fraud trends, losses, and internal controls; identify system or process weaknesses and present findings and recommendations to management.
Maintain current knowledge of fraud trends, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
File all necessary reports as required by regulations timely, which includes but is not limited to timely APS and SAR filings.
Maintain proficiency in all aspects of BSA/AML compliance.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Education and/or Experience
High School Diploma or GED.
Associate’s degree in criminal justice, Business or related experience is preferred. Four plus years’ experience in fraud investigations field. Experience in dealing with state, federal or local law enforcement agencies on investigation of financial crimes or fraud, and criminal case filings preferred.
Must possess a minimum of one of the following professional certifications or willingness to obtain within six (6) months of hire:
Certified Fraud Investigator, California Financial Crimes Investigators Association (or) Certified Financial Crimes Investigator, International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators, Certified Fraud Examiner, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Licensed Private Investigator.
Salary Range: $24.46 - $36.69
When joining Frontwave Credit Union, you can expect to be a part of a workforce committed to the following Service Excellence standards: • We see it. We own it. We get it done. • We ignite positive experiences. • We do things right every time. • We are collaborators - united, cohesive and engaged • We innovate and evolve. • We create memorable experiences for life. • We starts with me.
Voted San Diego’s Best Credit Union by the San Diego Reader in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
We’re looking to make your life easier and your financial outlook a lot brighter. It’s important to know that we’re owned and governed by our members, and that our focus is not on profits but on great service. And we’d like to invite you to join the thousands of others in Southern California who benefit from banking at Frontwave Credit Union.
For over 70 years, we've evolved and grown to now serve over 122,000 members worldwide with 13 branch locations across Southern California. Frontwave members enjoy access to over 30,000 fee-free ATM’s, and over 5,000 CO-OP Shared Branch locations to bank at. From coast to coast, no matter where life takes you, we'll be there to help make your financial dreams come true.
When it comes to managing your day-to-day finances and planning for your goals, we offer solutions to meet all your banking needs. From free primary checking accounts, free online and mobile banking, low cost car and home loans, high-earning saving accounts, and everything in between. We’re Frontwave Credit Union. Dream big. We got you.
Federally Insured by the NCUA | Equal Housing Opportunity
