Spokane Teachers CU Assigns Task Force to Address Fraud Concerns

LIBERTY LAKE, Wash. – Spokane Teachers Credit Union is hoping a recently formed Fraud Task Force will help it stay one step ahead of would-be fraudsters. A “Strategic Road Show” tour of all 24 STCU branches by STCU Vice President of Strategic Direction Denise Gabel resulted in common concerns of fraud and security that revealed a need for further investigation. “The input was tremendous and essentially in addition to focusing on fraud I was interested in offering a developmental opportunity for our people since we’re constantly looking for ways to stretch ourselves and the task force was a great answer,” said Gabel. “The committee was intentionally designed to incorporate a cross functional team of employees representing several departments including network security, branch operations and member support.” According to STCU spokesperson Susan Cerutti-Jensen, the group is charged with the goal of identifying and recommending future options for fraud and security including the possibility of designating a department to oversee fraud or creating a new position in the credit union. Ideas generated from the road show ranged from photo identification on credit cards and biometric confirmation of member identity in branches to operational improvements to lower fraud risk and Internet security. The task force will meet biweekly until December 14 at which time recommendations will be presented to senior management. In addition, “champions” will be named to implement each recommendation and move the project forward. “Creating this committee has been very beneficial,” said Cerutti-Jensen. “We want to be proactive in examining the latest technological advancements and seeking out new ways to protect our members’ account-they are counting on us to be their advocates.”