Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Rhys Harris

Cardiff

Summary

Experienced Fraud Specialist with an ICA Diploma in Financial Crime Prevention and currently pursuing an ICA Diploma in Anti-Money Laundering. Strong academic background in fraud detection, prevention, and investigation, skilled in identifying and investigating fraudulent activities. Adept at understanding complex problems, analyzing data, and providing effective recommendations for improvement and solutions. Excellent communicator, engaging with internal and external stakeholders to build strong relationships. Committed to continuous learning and professional development with a genuine passion for combating financial crime.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

FRAUD INVESTIGATOR

Starling Bank
06.2023 - Current
  • Collaborating with senior investigators on more complex cases.
  • Liaising with other banks and the relevant authorities as necessary through several channels including email, telephone and CIFAS.
  • Proactively identifying financial crime trends and fraud rings through investigations and sharing findings with senior management.
  • Providing training and ongoing support to fraud investigation associates as well as provide guidance to team members regarding best practices in the prevention, detection and investigation of fraud.
  • Evaluate current processes and systems used in detecting fraud and recommend improvements.
  • Serving as one of the department's trends champions by staying up-to-date with industry developments, sharing key insights with teams, and working with the wider departments to suggest meaningful improvements.

FRAUD INVESTIGATION ASSOCIATE

Starling Bank
05.2022 - 06.2023
  • Investigate transaction monitoring alerts, beneficiary and proactive reports of fraud. Reviewing and analyzing customer accounts against relevant fraud risk and suspicious activities.
  • Analyse complex financial transactions in order to detect patterns that may indicate fraudulent activity.
  • Manage a varied caseload of suspected fraud cases, conducting objective, fair, thorough, unbiased and timely investigations.
  • Review customer onboarding alongside KYC/KYB information to identify any discrepancies.
  • Evaluate customer documents, including bank statements, credit card reports, and other records for evidence of fraud.
  • Reviewing CIFAS and interbank checks, liaising with third parties to support both internal and external investigations.

CONVERSATION MANAGEMENT HANDLER

Admiral Insurance
07.2021 - 02.2022
  • Managing a case load of suspicious household and travel insurance claims.
  • Conducting telephone based interviews with customers, obtaining a statement of fact for home & travel insurance claims.
  • Challenging customers on any discrepancies, inaccuracies or false statements.
  • Produce detailed, technical, investigative reports, collating evidence to prove fraudulent activities.
  • Liaise with third parties and law enforcement to assist with internal and external investigations.
  • Preparing and delivering continuous training to the Household Claims Validation team.
  • Collaborate with management to identify trends and vulnerabilities with the claims process.

CLAIMS VALIDATION CO-ORDINATOR

Admiral Insurance
10.2019 - 07.2021
  • Thorough screening and assessment of suspicious household insurance claims, analyzing and evaluating the evidence and deciding on required actions.
  • Managing a case load of suspicious claims through to conclusion, including agreeing and arranging settlement with customers and their appointed representatives.
  • Prepared comprehensive reports on findings after completing investigations on suspicious claims.
  • Act as claims point of contact (both internal and external) for household fraud matters.
  • Preparation of statements and evidence packs for referral to City of London Police's Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department.
  • Assist in preparing and delivering counter fraud training to the household claims department and delivering feedback following missed opportunity audits.

HOUSEHOLD CLAIMS HANDLER

Admiral Insurance
03.2019 - 10.2019
  • Registering new household claims, capturing accurate information and establishing the facts of the incident from customers.
  • Performed detailed research into complex claims issues using multiple resources such as policy manuals and online databases.
  • Managing a large caseload of claims to completion, liaising with third party suppliers and adhering to strict timeframes to ensure the best outcome for customers.
  • Ensuring underwriter requirements are checked in respect of the submission of household claims
  • Identifying and logging complaints and sensitive cases, collaborating with other departments to minimize customer detriment.

TELEPHONY ADVISOR

Lloyds Banking Group
01.2016 - 09.2017
  • Manage inbound customer calls relating to all bank accounts and products.
  • Complete telephony, digital and admin based tasks to service customer queries.
  • Utilise effective communication techniques to build trust with customers and promote satisfaction.
  • Suggest process improvements based on feedback from customers or colleagues.
  • Adhere strictly to all applicable laws, regulations and internal controls when handling confidential information.
  • Provide ongoing training support to new team members as required.

Education

ICA Diploma In Anti Money Laundering
02.2025

ICA Diploma in Financial Crime Prevention
05.2023

Skills

  • Extensive experience in fraud detection, prevention, and investigation
  • Proficient in investigative interviewing, obtaining statements and conversation management
  • Analytical mindset with ability to work individually and as part of a team in high pressure environments to solve problems and deliver excellent outcomes
  • Driven to continue personal development and growth
  • Team player, skilled at buildings relationships internally and externally
  • Skilled communicator able to communicate effectively with customers, team members, employees, regulators, and internal and external stakeholders
  • Continuous positive attitude able to swiftly adapt to changes and new priorities

Timeline

FRAUD INVESTIGATOR

Starling Bank
06.2023 - Current

FRAUD INVESTIGATION ASSOCIATE

Starling Bank
05.2022 - 06.2023

CONVERSATION MANAGEMENT HANDLER

Admiral Insurance
07.2021 - 02.2022

CLAIMS VALIDATION CO-ORDINATOR

Admiral Insurance
10.2019 - 07.2021

HOUSEHOLD CLAIMS HANDLER

Admiral Insurance
03.2019 - 10.2019

TELEPHONY ADVISOR

Lloyds Banking Group
01.2016 - 09.2017

ICA Diploma In Anti Money Laundering

ICA Diploma in Financial Crime Prevention
Rhys Harris