Head of Organized Retail Crime Risk

About Blackhawk Network

Today, through BHN’s single global platform, businesses of all kinds can tap into the world’s largest network of branded payment solutions. BHN helps businesses grow revenue, increase loyalty, motivate and reward their teams, disburse funds and engage consumers. Branded payment solutions include the issuance and distribution of gift cards, egifts, corporate payouts and rewards, along with the technology to deliver these products in seamless, integrated ways. BHN’s network spans the globe with more than 400,000 consumer touchpoints. Learn more at BHN.com.

This position may be performed remotely anywhere within the United States except for the State of Alaska, North Dakota, or South Dakota. Employees located within 50 miles of a BHN office will be considered a "Hybrid" employee and are required to come into the office 2 days per week based on office schedule. 

Overview

The Head Organized Retail Crime (ORC) Risk is responsible for detecting, investigating, and mitigating fraud schemes involving prepaid gift cards. This role focuses on coordination internally and externally to combat large-scale financial crimes, including card draining, account takeovers, money laundering, reselling, and smishing/phishing related schemes that exploit prepaid gift card systems. This leader will collaborate with retailers, payment processors, financial institutions, and law enforcement agencies, and at times, legislators, to prevent and prosecute fraudulent activities, ensuring the security of prepaid gift card transactions over-time. This individual will be positioned as an industry leader who brings working teams together across companies to collectively combat Gift Card Fraud.

Responsibilities

Fraud Investigations & Case Management:

• Investigate organized fraud schemes targeting prepaid gift cards, with a focus on organized retail crime cases in collaboration with BHN retail partners
• Manage external partner communications and customer-facing meetings on the topic of ORC Gift Card Fraud
• Monitor transaction patterns and analyze fraud indicators to understand overarching trends using data analytics tools – inform and update internal groups such as customer support and executive leadership on key happenings, trends, & significant case work
• Maintain organized documentation of cases, including suspect profiles and fraud methodologies.

Collaboration & Law Enforcement Partnership:

• Work closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to build cases against criminal organizations
• Provide detailed evidence and reports for prosecution and testify in legal proceedings when required
• Coordinate with retail partners, financial institutions, and industry coalitions to share intelligence on emerging fraud trends
• Participate in and sometimes present at, Risk & Fraud related forums (NRF Protect, RILA, Gift Card Fraud Coalition, etc.)

 Data Analysis & Reporting:

• Use fraud detection software and transaction monitoring systems to track suspicious prepaid card activities and trends
• Prepare detailed and executive-facing reports summarizing fraud trends, investigative findings, and financial impact assessments.
• Prepare customer-facing analysis, reports, and presentations on the topic of partner specific or broader fraud trends

Risk Mitigation & Prevention Strategies:

• Identify vulnerabilities in prepaid card activation, redemption, overall transactional lifecycle and recommend countermeasures to both Blackhawk and in some cases, the industry
• Develop and implement fraud prevention policies both internally and externally
• Train internal teams, retail employees, and customer service representatives on how to identify and respond to prepaid gift card fraud.
• Stay ahead of emerging fraud tactics, such as synthetic identity fraud, scaled transnational money laundering through gift cards, and AI or bot-driven attacks.
• Work closely with Product, Technology, and Cyber Security teams on system requirements and overall Fraud, Risk, and Cybercrime prevention framework.

Qualifications

Required:

• 12+ years of experience in fraud investigations, financial crimes, loss prevention, or law enforcement.
• 3+ years of experience in people management roles. 
• Knowledge of prepaid gift card fraud schemes, including card draining, account takeovers, and dark web resale operations.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using fraud detection tools and transaction monitoring software.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with multiple stakeholders, including retailers and law enforcement.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.

 Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity, Fraud Prevention, or a related field.
• Certifications such as Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Financial Crimes Investigator (CFCI), or Certified Forensic Interviewer (CFI).
• Experience working with prepaid payment processors, gift card issuers, networks, or financial institutions.

Work Environment:

• Hybrid role with office-based and fieldwork components, including potential travel to retailer locations and industry conferences.
• May require irregular hours, surveillance work, and testifying in court proceedings.

Benefits

Salary Range for all U.S. Residents (excluding Alaska, California, North Dakota, South Dakota): $144,770.00 to $195,450.00

Salary Range for California Residents Only: $174,430.00 to $235,500.00

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, Blackhawk Network offers benefits including 401k with employer match, medical, dental, vision, 12 paid holidays in the year 2025, sick pay accrual according to state law, parental leave, life insurance, disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, health and dependent care flexible spending accounts, wellness benefits, and flexible time off for all full-time employees. 

EEO Statement

Blackhawk Network provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.  Blackhawk Network believes that diversity leads to strength. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Blackhawk Network encourages applicants with previous criminal records to apply to all positions and, pursuant to the San Francisco and Los Angeles Fair Chance Acts (and other “Fair Chance” laws), Blackhawk Network will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.  For Philadelphia applicants or jobs, please see a copy of Philadelphia’s ordinance on this topic by clicking this link: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-280104.