Fraud Week Lunch & Learn Session
Digital Deception: Unmasking Modern Fraud Tactics and Defenses
*If you are an annual subscription holder, you will receive an email with the Zoom link automatically. You do not need to register again.
Presenter:
John Fick, MLS, CFE, CFCI, CECFE
Session Synopsis
This presentation will equip participants with essential knowledge of digital fraud threats, including identity theft, various types of phishing (email, SMS, voice, and spear phishing), SIM swap scams, and injection attacks such as SQL and code injections. Attendees will learn to recognize these threats, understand how they are executed, and implement effective strategies to prevent, detect, and respond to digital fraud in both personal and professional settings.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Understand Identity Theft: Define identity theft, recognize common methods used by fraudsters to steal personal information, and identify warning signs of potential identity theft incidents.
2. Identify Different Types of Phishing Attacks: Explain the various types of phishing attacks, including email phishing, smishing (SMS phishing), vishing (voice phishing), and spear phishing, and understand how each method is used to exploit victims.
3. Recognize SIM Swap Fraud: Describe the SIM swap attack process, understand how fraudsters gain control of victims’ mobile numbers, and identify key red flags that indicate a potential SIM swap attempt.
4. Analyze Injection Attacks: Define injection attacks such as SQL injection and code injection, understand how they exploit vulnerabilities in digital systems, and identify preventive measures to mitigate these attacks.
5. Implement Prevention and Response Strategies: Develop and implement effective strategies to prevent, detect, and respond to digital fraud threats, ensuring the protection of sensitive data and systems in both personal and professional settings.
This presentation will equip attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to recognize, prevent, and respond to common digital fraud schemes.


Presenter Bio
John R. Fick III, MLS, CFE, CFCI, CECFE, serves as the Director of Fraud for Northwest Bank, providing over 20 years of comprehensive experience in fraud operations, including fraud detection, investigations, and physical security. Throughout his distinguished career, John has worked with a spectrum of financial institutions, ranging from small regional banks to large national corporations across the United States.
John's expertise lies in the development and strengthening of fraud departments, where he employs a strategic approach and deep comprehension of organizational needs and risk factors. He excels in personnel management, fostering a culture of success, and conducting intricate investigations aimed at mitigating and recovering financial losses.
Recognized for his leadership qualities, John embodies empowerment, effective communication, adaptability, integrity, problem-solving, collaboration, partnership, personnel development, and mentorship. His leadership style is characterized by a commitment to fostering professional growth and facilitating collaborative solutions.
John's dedication to professional development is underscored by his attainment of three esteemed certifications: Certificated Financial Crimes Investigator (CFCI), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and Certified Economic Crime Forensic Examiner (CECFE). Furthermore, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Security and Management with honors, along with a Master’s in Legal Studies from Northeastern University School of Law.
With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a demonstrated track record of leadership, John continues to be a driving force in the field of fraud prevention and financial crimes investigation. His multifaceted expertise and dedication to advancing industry standards make him an invaluable asset in safeguarding financial institutions against fraudulent activities.