Banking on Fraudology

Banking on Fraudology is presented by Sardine.ai.In this episode of Banking on Fraudology, Hailey Windham sits down with Ravi Loganathan, Co-founder and President of Sonar AI and Head of Banking and Policy at Sardine. Ravi, who has over 20 years in banking and consortium work with institutions like Early Warning Services, Zelle, and Bank of America, has been leading the charge at Sardine to make intelligent sharing accessible and actionable for all institutions.The conversation dives deep into the concept of collective intelligence, which Ravi describes as a "must-have" in the age of accelerating AI-driven scams. Fraudsters exploit information sharing gaps by jumping from one institution (like a fintech) to another (like a large regulated bank), making an ecosystem-wide defense essential.Key Takeaways: Unlocking Collective Intelligence with Sonar AIThe Sonar AI Origin Story: Sonar AI was kickstarted three years ago by a group of banks and fintechs to fill a critical gap: the lack of infrastructure for real-time risk information sharing when funds movement or instant settlement is authorized. This was driven by the need to combat authorized push payment (APP) fraud, particularly concerning the lack of insights on the recipient.How Sonar AI Works: Sonar AI is an industry utility. Before an institution authorizes a fund movement or account opening, they can inquire into Sonar on the entity conducting the transaction. Sonar returns curated signals (often simplified to "high, medium, low" risk, block list status, etc.) for the institution to augment their existing risk decisioning process. In return, the institution provides feedback, benefiting the next inquiring member.Regulatory Foundation: Sonar AI is built on a strong regulatory framework, having worked with FinCEN to receive 314(b) designation to form an association of financial institutions. It also facilitates broader fraud signal sharing under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA).Empowering Smaller FIs: Sonar AI offers features specifically for smaller community banks and credit unions, including batch contribution and batch inquiry to eliminate the need for immediate API tech builds. Ravi details their collaboration with the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) accelerator program to embed Sardine's solutions into core providers and invite FIs to join Sonar as members.Future Innovations: Ravi reveals Sonar AI's newest services, including Footprint, which provides a broader view of a consumer's financial standing by tracking their transactions across crypto exchanges, marketplaces, and fintechs , and the expansion of the Red Flag service for monitoring credentials leaked on the dark web.This is a must-listen for investigators, executives, and anyone working in the financial crimes space who is serious about strengthening prevention efforts and is ready to embrace the future of shared, collective defense.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/

In this powerful bonus episode of Banking on Fraudology, powered by Safeguard, Hailey Windham sits down with Andrea Vallentine, Senior Vice President of Fraud and Risk at Old Glory Bank.   The conversation dives deep into Andrea's genuinely excited perspective that "this might actually be the best time to be fighting fraud". We explore the rising momentum of collaboration and shared learning that is unifying the industry against fraudsters.  Key Takeaways: Collaboration, AI, and Empathy in Fraud PreventionThe Power of Collaboration: Andrea highlights the exciting activities and investments from groups like Fraud Fight Club, Operation Shamrock, and House of Fraud.  The focus is shifting from selling products to learning, educating, and collaborating. The AI Perspective: The industry is moving past fear, recognizing that AI has been around for a long time. The recent AI explosion has gotten people more open to listening, realizing they are already using smart technologies in areas like transaction scoring (e.g., Falcon) and link analysis.  A Shift to Purpose: Collaboration is increasing because the industry now recognizes the emotional devastation and human impact of fraud.  The focus has moved beyond competing to a shared mission of working together "against the fraudsters".  Tips for Smaller Teams (Leveraging AI): Andrea recommends that smaller teams use AI (like ChatGPT) to draft summaries, create templates, and refine procedures.  This allows teams to find holes in their processes and generate new ideas without using sensitive PII.  The Human Side of Design: Empathy is shaping the next generation of fraud design. Using machine learning to identify patterns of customer friction  , and giving real-life stories to team members, helps move them out of "robot mode" and focus on the customer experience.  Andrea's Final Thought: AI is not scary, and we have been using it forever in things like marketing suggestions on Amazon. She encourages everyone to get involved and leverage the wealth of existing, shared resources instead of recreating materials.  This is a must-listen for executives, investigators, and all fraud professionals who are serious about strengthening prevention efforts and building a fraud-fighting community driven by empathy and innovation.  Links:Connect to Andrea on LinkedInLearn more about the Safeguard AI deep dive retreat happening in May  : SafeguardEvent.comAbout 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

In this powerful episode of Banking on Fraudology, Hailey Windham sits down with John Duffley, Communications Director at the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), who leads the global coordination and growth of International Fraud Awareness Week.The conversation dives deep into the origins of this massive global initiative, which began in 2000 as "National Fraud Awareness Week" and has since evolved to be celebrated by thousands of organizations across more than 130 countries, supporting a community of over 95,000 fraud professionals.Key Takeaways: International Fraud Awareness WeekA Global Springboard: Fraud Week is an annual opportunity for organizations of all sizes—from local law firms to Fortune 500 companies—to discuss and address fraud prevention and detection efforts, serving as a launchpad for success in the coming year.Creative Campaign Ideas: Organizations participate in countless impactful ways, including multi-week campaigns, virtual trainings, community events, social media efforts, and internal recognition (like Hailey's personal "Scooby Doo Awards"!).Tips for Smaller Teams: John and Hailey share simple, budget-friendly ways smaller financial institutions (FIs) like credit unions and community banks can participate, emphasizing conversation, awareness, social media engagement, and internal recognition. Hailey shares a successful, low-cost fraud roundtable example.Essential ACFE Resources: Get a rundown of the free resources available on fraudweek.com, including proclamation and press release templates, interactive games like "Geo Party" and "Fraud Myth Busters," videos, infographics, and a simple Fraud Prevention Checklist.Building a Fraud-Savvy Culture: Learn how Fraud Week can initiate long-term cultural change, the importance of gaining leadership buy-in by reaffirming brand trust, and the proven ROI of awareness training (tips are the most common detection method, accounting for 43% of frauds).John's Top Tip for Every Fraud Fighter: Start a conversation with someone close to you—a colleague, supervisor, or family member—because awareness begins with simply sharing what you know to protect those most vulnerable to scams.This is a must-listen for investigators, executives, and anyone working in the financial crimes space who is serious about strengthening prevention efforts and building a global fraud-fighting community.Don't forget to use #FraudWeek when sharing your organization's efforts!Links:Connect with the global fraud-fighting community and download your free resources: fraudweek.comacfe.com/

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

Banking on Fraudology is part of the Fraudology Podcast Network. In 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/

Banking on Fraudology is part of the Fraudology Podcast Network. In 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/

Banking on Fraudology is part of the Fraudology Podcast Network. In 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/

Banking on Fraudology is part of the Fraudology Podcast Network. In 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/

Banking on Fraudology is part of the Fraudology Podcast Network. In 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.