Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Work Preference
Timeline

Tahmida Syeda

Pickering

Summary

Experienced fraud detection and investigations specialist with a proven track record in identifying, analyzing, and mitigating fraudulent activities across a range of sectors, including banking, insurance, and government. Strong expertise in managing complex investigations, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and providing actionable insights to improve processes and reduce financial risks. Committed to maintaining regulatory compliance and safeguarding organizational integrity. Possesses advanced knowledge of fraud detection tools, legal standards, and industry best practices.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Passport Officer

Government of Canada
05.2022 - Current
  • Lead in-depth investigations of suspected fraudulent passport applications, identifying discrepancies, and gathering evidence to support cases of fraud
  • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including law enforcement and immigration authorities, to resolve complex fraud cases
  • Provide expert advice on fraud detection and mitigation, ensuring all activities are in compliance with federal policies and regulatory standards
  • Apply advanced knowledge of identity verification processes and fraud prevention techniques to safeguard government resources and protect against financial losses
  • Developed expertise in various types of passports and travel documents to provide comprehensive assistance to applicants.
  • Conducted interviews with applicants to verify their identity and resolve any inconsistencies within their applications.
  • Facilitated smooth interdepartmental communication by liaising between different teams involved in the passport issuance process.
  • Updated knowledge regularly on immigration laws, regulations, policies, and procedures relevant to passport issuance to ensure compliance at all times.
  • Managed high-volume workloads while maintaining strict deadlines, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance.
  • Reduced errors in passport issuance by thoroughly verifying applicant information and ensuring proper documentation.
  • Worked closely with applicants to determine eligibility and verify accuracy and integrity of application data.

AML QC Analyst

Bank of Montreal
08.2021 - 04.2022
  • Conducted quality control reviews of KYC and AML documentation, ensuring compliance with global regulatory requirements and identifying fraudulent activities
  • Analyzed discrepancies in client records and collaborated with internal departments to mitigate potential fraud risks
  • Applied advanced judgment in investigating and identifying suspicious financial activities, contributing to the prevention of financial crimes
  • Led efforts to optimize KYC documentation review processes, improving the accuracy and efficiency of compliance activities
  • Provided training and support to junior analysts, enhancing the overall quality of investigations and the effectiveness of fraud mitigation efforts
  • Participated in departmental meetings to establish short- and long-term strategy.
  • Created and revised procedures, checklists and job aids to reduce errors.

Program Coordinator

LawPRO
05.2017 - 07.2021
  • Company Overview: Lawyers' Professional Indemnity Company, Toronto, ON
  • Managed complex client accounts and analyzed policy-related fraud cases, preventing fraudulent claims by identifying red flags in client submissions
  • Collaborated with legal professionals to resolve claims and minimize the risk of financial loss to the organization
  • Developed and implemented process improvements for better detection of fraud, reducing processing errors and enhancing system efficiency
  • Delivered comprehensive reports to senior management, highlighting fraud trends and suggesting preventive measures
  • Maintained detailed records of program activities and participant data, ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
  • Provided exceptional customer service to program participants through prompt response times and attentive assistance with inquiries or concerns.

Bilingual Fraud Specialist

TD Canada Trust
06.2016 - 02.2017
  • Led fraud investigations across multiple banking channels, identifying and mitigating high-risk transactions to protect both the bank and its customers from financial loss
  • Used sophisticated fraud detection tools (CIF, CPA, TSYS, Pega) to analyze patterns of suspicious activities and made quick, well-judged decisions to mitigate fraud risks
  • Collaborated with internal teams and external stakeholders to escalate cases of serious fraud and criminal activity, ensuring proper legal action was taken
  • Developed and maintained effective communication channels with law enforcement to share crucial evidence and assist in criminal investigations
  • Trained new fraud specialists on the use of fraud detection tools, investigation techniques, and compliance protocols
  • Reduced instances of fraud by implementing comprehensive detection and prevention strategies.
  • Reviewed reports and individual transactions which appeared suspicious to uncover possible fraudulent activity.
  • Enhanced detection of synthetic identity fraud through targeted analysis and pattern recognition.
  • Oversaw daily fraud monitoring activities, ensuring continuous protection for customers.
  • Conducted thorough investigations into suspicious account activities, mitigating potential financial losses.

AML/KYC Analyst

Bank of Montreal
12.2013 - 12.2015
  • Led investigations into potential fraud through extensive analysis of KYC and AML documentation, identifying suspicious activity and ensuring accurate compliance with global regulations
  • Conducted enhanced due diligence on high-risk clients, analyzing adverse media, sanctions lists, and politically exposed persons (PEP) to identify potential fraud risks
  • Collaborated with senior management to streamline the KYC process, improving fraud detection while ensuring compliance with industry regulations
  • Provided expert advice on improving fraud prevention and mitigation strategies across the organization, enhancing internal control measures
  • Capital Markets, Toronto, ON

Fraud Detection/Loss Prevention Officer

Scotiabank
08.2010 - 12.2013
  • Led fraud investigations, analyzing cardholder account activity using advanced fraud detection tools and identifying suspicious transactions across all payment channels
  • Managed and responded to fraud alerts, investigating discrepancies, and escalating high-priority cases to ensure quick resolution
  • Collaborated with various departments, including customer service, security, and compliance, to address fraud issues and implement preventive measures
  • Worked with law enforcement to support fraud-related investigations, providing evidence and assistance to ensure successful resolution
  • Developed fraud detection processes that reduced false positives and improved the bank's ability to identify genuine fraud risks.

Fraud Detection/Loss Prevention Trainer

Scotiabank
08.2010 - 12.2013
  • Led training programs for new employees on fraud detection procedures, enhancing team capabilities and ensuring consistency in fraud investigation techniques
  • Developed and implemented training materials to ensure staff understood compliance regulations, fraud detection tools, and investigative procedures.
  • Collaborated with subject matter experts to create accurate training content.
  • Conducted comprehensive needs assessments to identify gaps in knowledge and skills, informing future program development.
  • Engaged with subject matter experts to ensure training content accuracy and relevance.

Education

General Studies -

Dawson College, Montreal, QC
01.2007

High School Diploma -

École Secondaire La Voie, Montreal, QC
01.2003

Skills

  • Fraud Prevention & Detection
  • Investigative Research & Analysis
  • Subject Matter Expertise (Fraud, KYC, AML)
  • Risk Management & Mitigation Strategies
  • Data Analysis & Evidence Gathering
  • Document verification
  • Data entry proficiency
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Professionalism and integrity
  • Bilingual (English/French)
  • Accuracy and precision

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
French
Native or Bilingual

Work Preference

Work Type

Full Time

Work Location

On-SiteRemoteHybrid

Important To Me

Work-life balanceCareer advancementFlexible work hoursWork from home optionHealthcare benefitsPersonal development programs

Timeline

Passport Officer - Government of Canada
05.2022 - Current
AML QC Analyst - Bank of Montreal
08.2021 - 04.2022
Program Coordinator - LawPRO
05.2017 - 07.2021
Bilingual Fraud Specialist - TD Canada Trust
06.2016 - 02.2017
AML/KYC Analyst - Bank of Montreal
12.2013 - 12.2015
Fraud Detection/Loss Prevention Officer - Scotiabank
08.2010 - 12.2013
Fraud Detection/Loss Prevention Trainer - Scotiabank
08.2010 - 12.2013
École Secondaire La Voie - High School Diploma,
Dawson College - General Studies,
Tahmida Syeda