Fraud Risk Management | Fraud Risk Assessment - EY India
Sotoresume
1. GEORGE SOTO, CFE, CFCI, CFI
7 Chestnut Circle 561.706.1039
Cooper City, FL 33026 eliezer0037@gmail.com
PROFILE
Highly qualified Global Security Professional with 20 years of diversified experience in corporate security, multi-million
dollar fraud investigations and retail loss prevention operations. Background includes direct responsibility for the planning,
development, implementation and maintenance of comprehensive security policies, procedures and practices worldwide for the
protection of employees, assets, intellectual property, product, operations and facilities from unauthorized disclosure, counterfeiting,
piracy, misuse, theft, assault, vandalism, espionage, sabotage or financial loss. Areas of expertise encompass:
Investigations and Interrogations Forensic Audits/Security Audits Corporate Security Programs
Organized Retail Theft and White Collar Crime Risk Analysis/Site Security Assessments High-Level Internal Investigations
Threat Assessment/Risk Mitigation Strategies Ecommerce and Computer Fraud Ethics and Compliance
Information Security/Intellectual Property Private Label and Bankcard Fraud Staff Management/Development
Highly respected, credible and well-known in the corporate security industry with a strategic network of relationships and
contacts. Solid reputation working with federal, national and local government agencies on special projects and assignments and
well-developed interviewing/interrogation skills. Superior work ethic and unwavering commitment to protecting company assets and
profits. Upholds the highest ethical and integrity standards. Able to travel to address immediate business needs. Bilingual: Fully
fluent in English & Spanish.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Office Depot - Boca Raton, FL 2007 - Present
Director of Corporate/Global Investigations and E-Commerce Fraud (2013-present)
Promoted as a key member of the management team tasked with developing, implementing and executing all aspects of international
corporate security investigations and e-commerce fraud strategic operations critical to the company’s long-term operating efficiency and
bottom-line performance. Accountabilities include internal and external investigations concerning fraud, theft, harassment, intimidation,
criminal activity and/or security breaches; risk assessments and risk mitigation; spearheading high profile investigations; and managing
the forensic lab. Oversee a staff of 7 and a departmental budget of $____M representing the company’s corporate security mission and
values.
Develop solutions to identify emerging fraud trends and implement proactive fraud detection programs utilizing data analytic tools.
Provide on the job training, guidance, and counsel to the investigation team on handling complex investigation issues.
Assess fraud risks across the organization and communicate outcomes to HR, legal, risk management and senior leadership.
Utilize advanced/expert knowledge of interviewing techniques to extract accurate information and viewpoints from executive
level interviewees.
Assess risk throughout the companies’ facilities and advise on steps to mitigate and reduce potential risks and security threats.
Provide consultation and direction on security-related issues, support crisis planning and response plans, and develop corporate
security programs and policies.
Develop and maintain productive relationships with business partners and external service providers, as well as law
enforcement, government agencies, and other entities as necessary. Work closely with local and federal authorities in the US,
Latin America and Europe.
Select Accomplishments
Visionary leadership was the driving force behind making the division one of the leaders in the company for lowest % of losses.
Implemented several new standard operating procedures that were integral in positively impacting company profitability.
Sr. Manager Fraud Control & Investigations (2010-2013)
Promoted to serve as the primary investigator for all corporate level investigations as directed by Loss Prevention and Executive
Management. Accountable for managing physical security at the global headquarters and overseeing the Ecommerce Fraud Team.
Responsible for managing the Electronic Crimes Unit, supporting field level investigations, and conducting investigation analysis.
Managed a fraud team of 9 staff and administered a budget in excess of $___M.
Conducted and directed complex investigations, primarily related to employee misconduct, policy violations, fraud, workplace
violence and vetting related findings.
Performed high-profile investigations in collaboration with federal and local law enforcement agencies. (Cont. P2)
2. Résumé of George Soto, CFE, CFCI, CFI 561.706.1039 eliezer0037@gmail.com Page Two
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE - (CONTINUED)
Office Depot - (continued)
Determined the effectiveness of loss prevention policies and procedures through compliance auditing and exception reporting.
Identified control weaknesses and made recommendations to minimize losses.
Select Accomplishments
Winner of the Director’s Award for outstanding job performance, 2010.
Identified and investigated areas of potential fraud at the corporate headquarters, stores, and Business Service organizations.
Instituted new device ID technology which resulted in _________________________.
Regional Manager of Investigations (2008-2010)
Accountable for conducting investigations and prosecuting major criminal activity, as well as providing security support to business-
to-business sales teams (supply chain division) and loss prevention field teams for 1500 retail locations in North America.
Identified, analyzed, and reported fraud/loss events. Applied investigative techniques, conducted interviews and interrogations,
validated factual information, and prepared clear, concise reports of fraud/loss events.
Compiled information, prepared suspicious activity reports and maintained proper security information/records.
Trained and instructed retail center personnel on how to spot suspicious activity and fraud scams.
Implemented shortage and safety related solutions that reduced losses through data analysis, audits, training programs and
investigations. Developed and implemented programs to reduce inventory and controllable losses to meet goals of assigned locations.
Took a proactive approach to resolving losses within assigned stores through training and awareness with field leaders and store
associates to build their capabilities around shrink. Promoted associate awareness through customer approach programs.
Worked with teams to ensure integrated solutions that impacted shortage control and accident reduction initiatives.
Select Accomplishments
Invited to attend the Leader’s Circle Program reserved for high-performance managers, 2009.
Conducted store visits and initiated preventative measures on reducing shortage and ensuring 100% execution.
Corporate Investigator (2007-2008)
Oversaw corporate-level investigations including code of ethics violations, fraud, theft, embezzlement, etc. for a corporate office with
1300 employees. Performed research and verified the accuracy of information regarding cases or future prevention measures. Ensured
compliance with all corporate policies and procedures while utilizing sound judgment and the highest degree of confidentiality.
Reviewed suspicious activity/exception reports to identify fraudulent or suspicious transactions and protect the company from loss.
Accurately identified and submitted timely Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and management notifications.
Interacted with business units, customers and outside agencies to communicate fraud situations and recommend action steps.
Took appropriate action steps to protect Office Depot’s assets and minimize losses. Effectively controlled and enforced fraud
programs and protected company assets. Took a proactive approach to identifying and resolving incidents.
Select Accomplishments
Successfully investigated and closed 10+ significant cases at corporate headquarters totaling over $100,000 in the first 6 months.
Walgreens - Miami, FL 2006 - 2007
District Loss Prevention Supervisor
Conduct investigations regarding losses and for providing guidance and instruction to store personnel on preventing and detecting
causes of loss for 24 locations in South Florida and revenues in excess of $36M.
Evaluated established loss prevention and security policies and procedures.
Performed pharmacy and store audits to ensure compliance with company policies and local, state, and federal law.
Conducted employee training sessions to support loss prevention goals.
Investigated loss of merchandise, money or property through employee misconduct.
Appeared as a witness and gave depositions or testimony at criminal trials, unemployment compensation hearings, and other
related legal proceedings.
Select Accomplishments
Effectively controlled and enforced loss prevention program and protected company assets, providing a safe environment for
customers and associates. Took a proactive approach to identifying and resolving loss prevention incidents.
Identified system or operational weaknesses and made cost-effective recommendations. Worked with various departments on
managing/implementing improved loss prevention/asset protection initiatives.
Implemented and coordinated store-level security and theft-prevention programs to assure protection of company assets.
3. Résumé of George Soto, CFE, CFCI, CFI 561.706.1039 eliezer0037@gmail.com Page Three
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE - (CONTINUED)
Macy’s - Miami, FL 2000 - 2006
Sr. Corporate Fraud Investigator (2005-2006) Corporate Fraud Investigator (2000-2005)
Initially hired as Corporate Fraud Investigator and promoted to take on more responsibility accountable for identifying, investigating,
and prosecuting economic crimes for all Macy’s Florida stores.
Initiated and coordinated field investigations into organized fraud cases.
Investigated internal dishonesty involving larceny, embezzlement, card fraud and organized retail theft. Tracked and monitored
fraud trends.
Prepared fraud case reports for criminal prosecution in various jurisdictions in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Attended pre-file hearings, provided depositions and testified in court as needed.
Actively reviewed all monthly exception reports and initiated investigations as needed.
Performed and coordinated surveillance activities to identify criminal groups in South Florida.
Conducted interviews of internal and external subjects based on investigative results.
Developed strong partnership and contacts with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Created associate fraud awareness programs through training and group meetings.
Select Accomplishments
Two-time winner of Macy’s Conch Award in recognition of outstanding performance for reducing fraud losses within the first two
years of employment.
Led Corporate Loss Prevention Team in a major organized retail theft case which resulted in admissions totaling over $1M and
conviction of the lead perpetrator.
Independently identified a major check fraud ring resulting in apprehension and admission in excess of $75,000.
Cross Country Bank - Boca Raton, FL 1998 - 2000
Fraud Investigations Manager
Hired to develop new fraud unit for the bank. Responsible for daily operations of the fraud prevention and investigations units for the
bank. Managed a staff of 40-50 employees and conducted performance reviews for supervisory staff.
Select Accomplishments
Accomplished significant reduction in fraud losses within the first year.
Prior experience includes:
Associate Risk Analyst, Fraud, Beneficial National Bank - Peapack, NJ 1997 - 1998
Risk Analyst Assistant Supervisor, Fraud Department, The Prudential Bank - Atlanta, GA 1995 - 1997
Fraud Analyst, First North American National Bank - Atlanta, GA 1994 - 1995
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZED TRAINING
Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Communications
Florida International University, Miami, FL
Certified Fraud Examiner, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
Certified Forensic Interviewer, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
Certified Financial Crimes Investigator, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
Advanced Interview and Interrogation Techniques, Reid & Associates and Wicklander & Associates
Cell Phone Forensics Training, Access Data Forensics
COMPUTER SKILLS
Proficient in MS Office, Crystal Reports, HNC Falcon Neural Network, and various types of Loss Prevention Case Management Systems
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI) Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
National Retail Federation (NRF) Merchant Risk Council (MRC)