--- title: The reverse card: Live from ACFE source_page: https://www.sardine.ai/media/fraud-forward/episodes/agentic-ai-fraud canonical: https://www.sardine.ai/media/fraud-forward/episodes/agentic-ai-fraud format: text/markdown date: 2026-07-22T04:15:00.000Z description: A live ACFE roundtable explores agentic AI fraud, synthetic identity fraud, fraud leadership, AI’s role in investigations, and the future of fraud prevention… --- **Quick links:** [Human page](https://www.sardine.ai/media/fraud-forward/episodes/agentic-ai-fraud) · [Home](https://www.sardine.ai) · [Customers](https://www.sardine.ai/customers) · [Blog](https://www.sardine.ai/blog) · [Demo](https://www.sardine.ai/demo) --- # The reverse card: Live from ACFE **Published:** 2026-07-22T04:15:00.000Z A live ACFE roundtable explores agentic AI fraud, synthetic identity fraud, fraud leadership, AI’s role in investigations, and the future of fraud prevention… What’s up fraud fighters, and welcome back to Fraud Forward! This episode is a little different, and honestly, a lot of fun. We recorded this one live from the ACFE conference while playing a game of Uno. And if you've worked in fraud long enough, you already know why that felt like the perfect setup. Just when you think you've figured everything out, someone throws down a reverse card, the rules change, and suddenly you're solving a completely different problem. Joining me are three incredible fraud leaders: Karen Boyer, Steve Lenderman, and Jen Lamont. What starts as a lighthearted game quickly turns into a candid conversation about some of the biggest questions facing fraud teams today. From agentic AI fraud and synthetic identity fraud to fraud leadership, analyst development, scam prevention, and where human expertise still matters most. One thing I loved about this conversation is that there was no script. Just practitioners sharing honest opinions about what's changing, what's overhyped, and what they believe will define the next generation of fraud prevention. What you'll hear in this episode: Why agentic AI fraud could reshape the future of synthetic identity fraud The growing risks surrounding synthetic agents fraud and autonomous digital identities Why human in the loop AI remains critical for fraud prevention Whether AI should investigate alerts or focus on SAR automation The future role of fraud analysts in an AI-driven industry Why check fraud continues to frustrate fraud professionals The value of networking, mentorship, and industry collaboration You should listen to this episode if you: Lead a fraud prevention, investigations, risk, or financial crimes team and want to hear how other practitioners are thinking about agentic AI fraud and the future of the industry. Are exploring how AI in fraud, machine learning fraud detection, and fraud detection automation can improve operations without losing the value of human expertise. Want a practical discussion on synthetic identity fraud, synthetic agents fraud, and the next generation fraud threats that financial institutions should be preparing for. Are evaluating where human in the loop AI, AI fraud alert triage, AI writing SARs, and SAR automation fit into your fraud program—and where human judgment should remain at the center. Enjoy candid conversations between experienced fraud professionals on leadership, analyst development, fraud education, and the real challenges shaping modern fraud prevention. ### Episode Notes Agentic AI fraud is changing the conversation One of the most interesting moments in the discussion comes when Steve talks about the next evolution of synthetic identity fraud. Rather than focusing solely on fake identities, he introduces the idea of synthetic agents. AI-powered entities capable of performing actions on behalf of those identities. That shifts the conversation beyond traditional fraud detection. As agentic AI fraud becomes more sophisticated, fraud teams will need to understand not only whether an identity is legitimate, but whether autonomous AI systems are interacting with financial institutions in increasingly human ways. This is one of the next generation fraud threats fraud professionals should be preparing for now. Human in the loop AI is still essential Although AI dominates much of today's fraud conversation, nobody at the table argues that technology replaces people. Instead, the discussion repeatedly returns to human in the loop AI. Machine learning fraud detection continues to improve fraud operations by identifying patterns, prioritizing alerts, and supporting investigations. But experienced fraud analysts remain essential for context, judgment, and understanding customer behavior that models alone cannot explain. The panel makes a compelling case that the future is not AI versus fraud analysts. It's AI working alongside fraud analysts. AI should eliminate repetitive work, not critical thinking Another recurring theme centers on where AI creates the most value. When asked whether AI should investigate fraud alerts or write Suspicious Activity Reports, the consensus is clear: let AI handle the repetitive documentation. AI writing SARs and SAR automation free investigators from administrative work while allowing analysts to focus on complex investigations and customer protection. That distinction matters because over-reliance on AI in fraud can introduce new operational risks if organizations begin outsourcing investigative judgment instead of repetitive processes. Fraud leadership starts with better questions Some of the best moments aren't about technology at all. The "Would You Rather" questions spark conversations about staffing, executive buy-in, customer education, and what successful fraud leadership actually looks like. The panel discusses: Why executives need a better understanding of fraud risk. Why frontline fraud analysts often provide the earliest signals. Why unlimited staffing may be more valuable than unlimited technology. Why prevention depends on collaboration rather than individual tools. These conversations highlight that leadership decisions often have a greater impact on fraud outcomes than any single technology investment. Fraud prevention remains a people business Perhaps the strongest takeaway from this live discussion is that fraud has always been, and continues to be, a human problem. Whether the topic is synthetic identity fraud, check fraud, AI in fraud, or fraud analyst development, every conversation eventually comes back to people. Technology will continue evolving. Fraud tactics will continue changing. But experienced investigators, curious analysts, collaborative leaders, and strong professional communities remain the foundation of effective fraud prevention. ### Key takeaways AI should augment analysts, not replace them. Agentic AI fraud introduces entirely new challenges around synthetic identities and autonomous digital activity. Leadership matters just as much as technology when building resilient fraud programs. Prevention succeeds when people, processes, and technology evolve together. ### Final takeaway Fraud is evolving faster than ever. Artificial intelligence is changing both how fraudsters operate and how financial institutions respond. At the same time, fraud teams are balancing automation with human judgment, investing in machine learning fraud detection while making sure experienced analysts remain at the center of critical decisions. This conversation reinforces something I believe deeply: technology should make fraud professionals better, not replace them. The strongest fraud programs combine innovation with operational experience, curiosity, and collaboration. Episode resources & links: Connect with Karen Boyer CFE, CFCI, CCCI | LinkedIn SVP, Director of Fraud Intelligence at M&T Bank Creator of “Fraud is the New Friction; Fraud Prevention is the New Customer Service” Connect with Jen Lamont, CFE, CBSAP | LinkedIn Fraud Strategist Point Predictive Connect with Steve Lenderman, CFE, CFCI | LinkedIn Head of Fraud Prevention Synthetic Fraud SME & Expert Fraud Speaker Connect with Hailey Windham, CFCS | LinkedIn Host of the Fraud Forward Podcast Banking Community Lead at Sardine Certified Financial Crimes Specialist (CFCS) 2023 Credit Union Rockstar, CU Magazine Continuous Improvement Award, SAFE Federal Credit Union, 2023 Top 20 Professionals Under 40, The Sumter Item, 2022