Fraud Forward

In this powerful episode of Banking on Fraudology, Hailey Windham sits down with Kathy Stokes, Director of Fraud Prevention Programs at AARP, a nationally recognized leader in consumer protection and elder fraud prevention. The conversation dives deep into Stokes's foundational statement: "We need to talk about victims in order to talk about the fraud as a crime". They explore why language is the single most critical tool in the fight against financial crime and how the words we choose can either help or harm. Key Takeaways:- Calling it a Crime: Stokes explains that financial fraud must be viewed as a crime, not as a mistake by the person who experienced it, which helps shift the blame from the victim to the transnational criminal enterprises that are often responsible. - The Problem with Avoiding "Victim": While a person who experienced the crime should be allowed to lead the conversation one-on-one, in the third person, the term "victim" should be used to help people understand the severity of the crime. - The Power of Empathy: They discuss the psychological impact of being deceived, and why approaching a person with context and empathy (rather than immediately saying "you've been scammed") is crucial to prevent them from shutting down. - Changing the Language: Stokes shares two terms she wishes the industry would eliminate: "fraudster," because it sounds "kind of cute" and gets the perpetrator "off the hook," and "victim assisted," which inaccurately implies the victim aided the crime rather than being coerced or manipulated. - A Call to Action for Fraud Teams: Kathy Stokes stresses that the first reaction to someone who has experienced fraud should be: "My God, I'm so sorry this happened to you. It's not your fault. Come on, let's talk about it. Let's report it". - Hope for the Future: Hear about AARP's groundbreaking work, including the Words Matter campaign and their effort to change the narrative surrounding fraud through advocacy, education, and partnerships. This is a must-listen for investigators, executives, and anyone working in the financial crimes space who is serious about strengthening prevention efforts and supporting those impacted by fraud.______________________________Connect with Hailey on LinkedInConnect with Kathy on LinkedInLinks:AARP Words Matter Campaign: aarp.org/wordsmatterFraud Wars on YoutubeAARP Fraud Watch Network

Fraud Forward is powered by SardineIn this insightful episode of Banking on Fraudology, host Hailey Widham welcomes Mark Solomon, President of the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI), for an in-depth look at how global collaboration is reshaping the fight against financial crime.With more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement and fraud investigation, Mark shares his personal journey from detective to IAFCI leader and reveals how the organization’s vast network of over 8,000 members empowers professionals across banking, retail, insurance, and law enforcement. The discussion explores the IAFCI’s mission, structure, and the importance of community-driven intelligence sharing, plus a look at major initiatives such as its annual conference and the recent cryptocurrency summit.Mark Solomon https://www.iafci.org/https://open.spotify.com/show/6IkkWtu1U7kJmJTbh4CxdK?si=d7f856c500f14511https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/iafci-presents-the-protectors/id1587253361About Hailey Windham:As a 2023 CU Rockstar Recipient, Hailey Windham, CFCS (Certified Financial Crimes Specialist) demonstrated unbounding passion for educating her community, organization and credit union membership on scams in the market and best practices to avoid them. She has implemented several programs within her previous organizations that aim at holistically learning about how to prevent and detect fraud targeted at membership and employees. Windham’s initiatives to build strong relationships and partnerships throughout the credit union community and industry experts have led to countless success stories. Her applied knowledge of payments system programs combined with her experience in fraud investigations offers practical concepts that are transferable, no matter the organization’s size. Connect with Hailey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hailey-windham/ https://www.fraudfightclub.com/https://www.about-fraud.com/

Fraud Forward is powered by SardineIn this eye-opening episode of Banking on Fraudology, host Hailey Windham sits down with Ronan Burke, co-founder and CEO of Inscribe, to discuss the alarming rise of document fraud in financial services. As generative AI makes creating fake documents easier than ever, Burke reveals that AI-generated and template-based document fraud has surged over 200% in just the first half of 2023. The conversation dives deep into how fraudsters are weaponizing tools like ChatGPT to produce convincing forgeries of bank statements, pay stubs, and tax forms that can fool even experienced analysts. Burke explains that it's no longer just about spotting obvious fakes - financial institutions now face the challenge of proving documents are real. The episode explores why smaller banks and credit unions are especially vulnerable, and offers practical advice for fraud teams to keep up, including leveraging AI powered document verification tools. Windham and Burke stress that while AI is enabling more sophisticated fraud, it's also the key to detecting and preventing it. This timely discussion is a must listen for fraud fighters, compliance professionals, and financial leaders looking to understand and combat the next wave of AI-driven document fraud. Don't miss this chance to arm yourself with cutting edge insights. Tune in now and join the fight against financial crime in the AI era.Ronan Burkehttps://www.inscribe.ai/blog/from-forgeries-to-deepfakes-document-fraud-in-the-age-of-generative-aihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rnnbrk/About Hailey Windham:As a 2023 CU Rockstar Recipient, Hailey Windham, CFCS (Certified Financial Crimes Specialist) demonstrated unbounding passion for educating her community, organization and credit union membership on scams in the market and best practices to avoid them. She has implemented several programs within her previous organizations that aim at holistically learning about how to prevent and detect fraud targeted at membership and employees. Windham’s initiatives to build strong relationships and partnerships throughout the credit union community and industry experts have led to countless success stories. Her applied knowledge of payments system programs combined with her experience in fraud investigations offers practical concepts that are transferable, no matter the organization’s size. Connect with Hailey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hailey-windham/ https://www.fraudfightclub.com/https://www.about-fraud.com/

Fraud Forward is powered by SardineIn this eye-opening episode of Banking on Fraudology, host Hailey Widham sits down with Travis Cox, investigator with the South Carolina Department of Corrections, to uncover the dark world of prison based fraud and organized crime.Cox shares a rare inside look at how inmates use contraband cell phones to run sophisticated fraud, extortion, and money laundering schemes from behind bars often mirroring the tactics of external fraud rings and cybercriminal networks.Through cases like “Iron Pipeline,” “Flash,” and “Clean Sweep,” Hailey and Travis reveal how prisoners leverage technology, manipulation, and underground communication tools to traffic drugs, exploit victims, and move millions through cryptocurrency, peer-to-peer apps, and even online gaming platforms.The conversation highlights the growing threat these crimes pose to financial institutions, law enforcement, and local communities, calling for stronger collaboration, tougher sentencing, and smarter fraud detection strategies.Roy E. CoxDistrict of South Carolina | Two Men Charged With Illegally Trafficking Almost 60 Guns Into Philadelphia From South Carolina | United States Department of JusticeState Grand Jurors issue rare report on continued problem of organized crime run from within state prisons using contraband cellphones - South Carolina Attorney General FCC approves cell phone jamming against SC prison inmates | The StateMan accused of setting fire at home of South Carolina corrections officer in suspected retaliation | WBTW Ex-prison guard, shot six times, hails FCC push to allow cellphone jamming behind bars Nine SCDC inmates, six others indicted in $5M fraud scheme | WCBD News 2About Hailey Windham:As a 2023 CU Rockstar Recipient, Hailey Windham, CFCS (Certified Financial Crimes Specialist) demonstrated unbounding passion for educating her community, organization and credit union membership on scams in the market and best practices to avoid them. She has implemented several programs within her previous organizations that aim at holistically learning about how to prevent and detect fraud targeted at membership and employees. Windham’s initiatives to build strong relationships and partnerships throughout the credit union community and industry experts have led to countless success stories. Her applied knowledge of payments system programs combined with her experience in fraud investigations offers practical concepts that are transferable, no matter the organization’s size. Connect with Hailey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hailey-windham/ https://www.fraudfightclub.com/https://www.about-fraud.com/

Fraud Forward is powered by SardineIn this dynamic episode of Banking on Fraudology, host Hailey Windham kicks off a new monthly series in collaboration with Safeguard, paving the way to their 2026 AI Deep Dive Retreat. Joined by industry thought leaders Mitul Parmar and Brian Davis, Hailey explores the urgent need for AI education, collaboration, and strategic adoption across fraud, identity, and compliance sectors.As artificial intelligence reshapes the fraud landscape, this episode dives into the real world challenges professionals face-from vendor noise and overhyped promises to the complexities of integrating AI into existing workflows. The conversation zeroes in on building AI-capable teams, fostering healthy skepticism, and driving practical innovation.http://www.safeguardevent.com/Brian D.Mitul Parmar About Hailey Windham:As a 2023 CU Rockstar Recipient, Hailey Windham, CFCS (Certified Financial Crimes Specialist) demonstrated unbounding passion for educating her community, organization and credit union membership on scams in the market and best practices to avoid them. She has implemented several programs within her previous organizations that aim at holistically learning about how to prevent and detect fraud targeted at membership and employees. Windham’s initiatives to build strong relationships and partnerships throughout the credit union community and industry experts have led to countless success stories. Her applied knowledge of payments system programs combined with her experience in fraud investigations offers practical concepts that are transferable, no matter the organization’s size. Connect with Hailey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hailey-windham/ https://www.fraudfightclub.com/https://www.about-fraud.com/

Fraud Forward is powered by SardineIn this eye-opening episode of Banking on Fraudology, host Hailey Windham sits down with Travis Cox, a seasoned investigator from the South Carolina Department of Corrections, to explore the alarming world of contraband cell phones in prisons. Travis shares his firsthand experience combating organized crime networks that operate from behind bars, revealing how these illicit devices have become powerful tools for orchestrating everything from financial fraud to drug trafficking. The conversation delves into high-profile cases like "Operation Iron Pipeline," where inmates used contraband phones to coordinate interstate gun and drug smuggling operations. Travis explains how collaboration between multiple law enforcement agencies was crucial to cracking these complex criminal enterprises. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the creative methods inmates use to obtain phones, the economics of the prison contraband market, and the sophisticated financial crimes being perpetrated by incarcerated individuals.This episode is a must-listen for fraud fighters, bankers, and law enforcement professionals seeking to understand the intricate connections between prison contraband and wider criminal networks. Tune in to learn how cross-sector collaboration is key to combating these evolving threats and protecting our financial systems from behind-bars fraudsters.Roy E. CoxDistrict of South Carolina | Two Men Charged With Illegally Trafficking Almost 60 Guns Into Philadelphia From South Carolina | United States Department of JusticeState Grand Jurors issue rare report on continued problem of organized crime run from within state prisons using contraband cellphones - South Carolina Attorney General FCC approves cell phone jamming against SC prison inmates | The StateMan accused of setting fire at home of South Carolina corrections officer in suspected retaliation | WBTW Ex-prison guard, shot six times, hails FCC push to allow cellphone jamming behind bars Nine SCDC inmates, six others indicted in $5M fraud scheme | WCBD News 2About Hailey Windham:As a 2023 CU Rockstar Recipient, Hailey Windham, CFCS (Certified Financial Crimes Specialist) demonstrated unbounding passion for educating her community, organization and credit union membership on scams in the market and best practices to avoid them. She has implemented several programs within her previous organizations that aim at holistically learning about how to prevent and detect fraud targeted at membership and employees. Windham’s initiatives to build strong relationships and partnerships throughout the credit union community and industry experts have led to countless success stories. Her applied knowledge of payments system programs combined with her experience in fraud investigations offers practical concepts that are transferable, no matter the organization’s size. Connect with Hailey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hailey-windham/ https://www.fraudfightclub.com/https://www.about-fraud.com/

In this insightful discussion, Freddy Massimi, a certified financial crimes investigator and leader at Truist Bank, reveals the dark link between human trafficking and financial crime. He highlights critical red flags for fraud analysts, such as repeated hotel stays and sudden cryptocurrency transactions. Freddy emphasizes the necessity of cross-team collaboration in combating trafficking and shares stories of real-world interventions. With a passion for survivor support, he calls for compassion when dealing with suspicious individuals, urging financial institutions to act decisively against exploitation.

Fraud Forward is powered by Sardine The latest episode of Banking on Fraudology tackles a critical issue facing financial institutions: new ACH fraud monitoring requirements. Host Hailey Windham expertly guides listeners through NACHA's upcoming rule changes, offering a comprehensive breakdown tailored for small banks and credit unions. Windham delves into the nuances of the two-phase implementation, explaining how institutions can prepare for the March 2026 deadline without breaking the bank. She clarifies key concepts like "false pretenses" and the shift away from "commercially reasonable detection systems" to risk-based processes. The episode provides a wealth of practical advice, from conducting risk assessments and setting transaction baselines to developing effective response procedures. Windham also shares invaluable insights on vendor selection, warning listeners about common sales pitches to be wary of and offering smart questions to ask potential partners. Throughout the episode, she emphasizes the importance of tailoring monitoring approaches to an institution's specific role and risk profile. Listeners will come away with a clear action plan for compliance, including tips on policy writing and annual review processes. This episode is a must-listen for any fraud fighter looking to stay ahead of regulatory changes and strengthen their ACH fraud defenses. Tune in now to arm yourself with the knowledge and strategies you need to protect your institution and customers in the evolving landscape of ACH fraud.https://www.nacha.org/rules/risk-management-topics-fraud-monitoring-phase-1About Hailey Windham:As a 2023 CU Rockstar Recipient, Hailey Windham, CFCS (Certified Financial Crimes Specialist) demonstrated unbounding passion for educating her community, organization and credit union membership on scams in the market and best practices to avoid them. She has implemented several programs within her previous organizations that aim at holistically learning about how to prevent and detect fraud targeted at membership and employees. Windham’s initiatives to build strong relationships and partnerships throughout the credit union community and industry experts have led to countless success stories. Her applied knowledge of payments system programs combined with her experience in fraud investigations offers practical concepts that are transferable, no matter the organization’s size. Connect with Hailey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hailey-windham/ https://www.fraudfightclub.com/https://www.about-fraud.com/

Fraud Forward is powered by SardineFraudology and Banking on Fraudology are back together, this time recording in person from Austin, Texas!We celebrate Karisse’s recent Women in Payments Award, reflect on the power of in person connections, and then dive straight into the headlines. We spotlight how AI is reshaping fraud, from autonomous “agentic AI” attacks to fraudsters hijacking X’s Grok AI to spread malicious links.It’s part celebration, part reunion, and a deep look at what the future of fraud in the AI era means for all of us.Karisse HendrickFraudology podcast About Hailey Windham:As a 2023 CU Rockstar Recipient, Hailey Windham, CFCS (Certified Financial Crimes Specialist) demonstrated unbounding passion for educating her community, organization and credit union membership on scams in the market and best practices to avoid them. She has implemented several programs within her previous organizations that aim at holistically learning about how to prevent and detect fraud targeted at membership and employees. Windham’s initiatives to build strong relationships and partnerships throughout the credit union community and industry experts have led to countless success stories. Her applied knowledge of payments system programs combined with her experience in fraud investigations offers practical concepts that are transferable, no matter the organization’s size. Connect with Hailey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hailey-windham/ https://www.fraudfightclub.com/https://www.about-fraud.com/

Mitul Parmar, co-founder and CEO of Safeguard, formerly led teams at Frude, EuroID, and Experian. He discusses the launch of the AI Deep Dive Retreat, aiming to unite fraud, identity, and compliance professionals to tackle AI's rapid influence in their fields. The event will foster collaboration and deep discussions on the challenges and opportunities posed by AI. Mitul emphasizes the need for intimate connections and structured networking within a luxurious setting, designed to enhance engagement and community building.