2nd Annual Fight Fraud with PSECU Seminar

Amanda Balmer

Amanda Balmer leads PSECU’s Financial Crimes Risk Management team, where she oversees fraud prevention strategies, investigations, and member education initiatives. With over a decade of experience in financial crime detection and mitigation, Amanda is passionate about protecting members from scams and fraud. Her expertise spans digital fraud trends, identity theft, and scam tactics targeting consumers.

Organization: PSECU, Financial Crimes Risk Management (FCRM)

Samantha Apple

Samantha Apple is a Fraud Investigator at PSECU, where she works to protect members from financial scams and suspicious activity. With a sharp eye for detail and a strong commitment to member safety, Samantha investigates potential fraud cases, helps recover compromised accounts, and supports efforts to prevent future threats. She collaborates closely with internal teams and contributes to educational initiatives that empower members to recognize and avoid scams like phishing, smishing, and investment fraud. Samantha’s work reflects PSECU’s mission to keep members’ finances secure and their trust well-placed.

Organization: PSECU, Fraud Investigator

Jennifer Downey

Jennifer Downey helps keep PSECU members safe from fraud as the Financial Crimes Risk Management Manager. She leads the team that watches for suspicious activity, builds tools to catch scams early, and shares helpful tips so members can protect themselves. Whether it’s spotting unusual transactions or educating members about phishing and investment scams, Jennifer works behind the scenes to make sure your money stays secure. She also partners with other teams at PSECU to stay ahead of new threats and keep fraud prevention strong across all areas of the credit union.

Organization: PSECU, Financial Crimes Risk Management (FCRM)

Jayme Shea

Jayme Shea is a seasoned financial services professional with experience in payment systems, fraud prevention, consumer lending, and strategic planning and strategy. As Visa Services Director at PSECU, she oversees card operations, dispute resolution, and fraud management. Her background also includes hands-on expertise in consumer loan originations, which gives her a comprehensive view of member needs. Jayme works closely with internal teams to educate members on safe financial practices – all while driving innovation and strategic growth across the credit union.

Organization: PSECU, Plastic Card Fraud (PCF)

Melissa Fernandes

Melissa Fernandes is a fraud prevention leader with a strong track record in managing and mitigating card fraud. As the Plastic Card Fraud Lead Manager, she plays a critical role in safeguarding financial assets and ensuring secure transactions for cardholders. Known for her strategic thinking and data-driven approach, Melissa leads cross-functional teams to develop and implement fraud detection systems, streamline investigative processes, and stay ahead of emerging threats in the financial landscape.

With a deep understanding of fraud trends and regulatory compliance, Melissa collaborates closely with stakeholders across departments to drive innovation and maintain operational excellence.

Organization: PSECU, Plastic Card Fraud (PCF)

Autumn Thomas

Autumn Thomas is a recently retired business professional and now volunteer with AARP-Pennsylvania's Consumer Issues Task Force, whose mission is to educate Pennsylvanians about scams and financial exploitation.

She also serves on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission's Consumer Advisory Council, works with the Dauphin County and Centre County Elder Abuse Task Forces and collaborate on anti-fraud initiatives with various law enforcement and government agencies.

Autumn's passion is helping consumers keep the fraudsters at bay – by arming them with information and strategies to help reduce their risk of being scammed.

Originally from Toronto, Canada, Autumn has called the mid-state home since 1988 and currently live in Mechanicsburg.

Organization: AARP

It is the mission of the AARP Fraud Watch Network to empower individuals to recognize, avoid, and report scams and fraud. As a free resource available to all, AARP provides timely alerts, expert guidance, and educational tools to help protect consumers, especially older adults – from financial exploitation. Through advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels, AARP works to strengthen protections and promote accountability across industries. Join representatives from AARP as they share insights on current fraud trends, highlight real-world scam scenarios, and offer practical strategies for prevention and recovery.

TBD

Organization: United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)

It is the mission of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) to support and protect the U.S. Postal Service and its employees, infrastructure, and customers; enforce the laws that defend the nation’s mail system from illegal or dangerous use; and ensure public trust in the mail. As one of the country’s oldest federal law enforcement agencies, USPIS has a proud history of fighting criminals who attack the postal system and misuse it to defraud, endanger, or otherwise threaten the American Public. Please join USPIS representatives as they discuss current fraud schemes and trends, provide a relevant case study, and answer questions as time permits.