Bank Protection Card Fraud Strategy Specialist

First Merchants Bank is seeking a Bank Protection Card Fraud Strategy Specialist to join our team! This position is responsible for the prevention, detection, investigation, and mitigation of debit card fraud across the organization. Serves as the subject matter expert for card fraud strategy execution, elevated dispute research and investigations, and card-related fraud prevention technologies. Investigates customer reported fraud and debit card disputes while also administering fraud tools, monitoring fraud trends, recommending strategy enhancements, and collaborating with vendors, payment networks, and internal business partners to reduce fraud losses and improve customer experience.

As part of this role you will:

• Fraud Strategy & Risk Management
  • Monitor card fraud trends, attack patterns, fraud losses, and emerging threats to recommend mitigation strategies.
  • Maintain and optimize debit card fraud detection rules, thresholds, and monitoring processes in partnership with FIS and other service providers.
  • Identify opportunities to strengthen fraud controls while balancing client experience and operational efficiency.
  • Analyze fraud metrics and performance data to support strategy recommendations and loss reduction initiatives.
  • Participate in the development, testing, and implementation of fraud prevention strategies and system enhancements.
  • Support fraud incident response activities involving card compromise events, account takeover activity, and emerging fraud threats.
• Fraud Dispute Investigation
  
  • Investigate elevated debit card fraud claims and disputes to determine validity and ensure compliance with applicable regulations and network requirements.
  • Review fraud alerts, transaction activity, and account behavior to identify suspicious activity and potential fraud losses.
  • Conduct customer interviews and gather evidence related to fraudulent transactions.
  • Document investigations within case management systems and maintain complete case records.
  • Provide clear and concise case narratives, recommendations, and resolution documentation.
  • Partner with Fraud Investigations, Card Dispute Operations, and other risk teams on complex fraud cases.
  • Assist customers and bank personnel with questions regarding card fraud, disputes, and fraud prevention.
• Fraud Technology & Vendor Management
  
  • Serve as an administrator and subject matter expert for card fraud prevention and authentication tools.
  • Utilize MDES (Mastercard Digital Enablement Services) to support mobile wallet fraud prevention, tokenization controls, digital wallet monitoring, and step-up authentication processes.
  • Utilize VCAS (Visa Consumer Authentication Service/Cardinal) and 3DS technologies to support e-commerce fraud investigations and authentication reviews.
  • Leverage information obtained from authentication platforms, including device and transaction intelligence, to support fraud investigations when available.
  • Utilize Mastercom and related dispute management platforms to support dispute resolution efforts and determine financial responsibility.
  • Collaborate with FIS, Mastercard, Visa, and other vendors regarding fraud controls, product enhancements, fraud events, and strategy recommendations.
  • Participate in vendor meetings, product reviews, implementation projects, and ongoing fraud solution enhancements.
• Collaboration & Leadership
  
  • Partner with Consumer Banking, Deposit Operations, Card Services, Compliance, Risk Management, and Bank Protection teams to improve card fraud prevention efforts.
  • Assist with fraud awareness initiatives, procedural development, and employee training.
  • Provide recommendations to leadership regarding card fraud trends, strategic initiatives, and technology investments.
  • Support audits, examinations, and regulatory reviews related to fraud operations and card dispute management.

To be successful in this position, we require the following:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum one to three years of card fraud experience.
• Experience working with debit card fraud investigations and/or fraud detection systems.
• Experience analyzing transaction activity and fraud trends.

The following would be a plus:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Business, Finance, Risk Management, or related field.
• Experience with FIS card fraud platforms and fraud strategy administration.
• Experience with Visa, Mastercard, 3DS, VCAS/Cardinal, MDES, or Mastercom platforms.

First Merchants offers the following:

• Base Pay PLUS Bonuses
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401k
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Vacation/Sick Time
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Additional Benefits

A little about us:

First Merchants is guided by a genuine philosophy of being a meaningful place to work and having a prosperous impact across all walks of life throughout the communities we serve, including consumers, businesses and other organizations. Our Vision, Mission and Team statement reflect and reinforce that authentic service philosophy.

Our Vision is:

To enhance the financial wellness of the diverse communities we serve.

Our Mission is:

To be the most responsive, knowledgeable, and high-performing financial organization for our clients, teammates, and shareholders.

Our Team:

"We are a collection of dynamic colleagues with diverse experiences and perspectives who share a passion for positively impacting lives. We are genuinely committed to attracting and engaging teammates of diverse backgrounds. We believe in the power of inclusion and belonging."

Apply today to begin your career with us!