Finding My Power in Fraud Prevention: Balancing resilience, motherhood, and a career on the front lines of safeguarding trust
- Oct 2
- 3 min read
By Claudia Sanchez
BOK Financial
Resilience is power, especially when you’re building a life from scratch. Coming of age as a DACA recipient, being the eldest daughter of a single mother, and finding the strength to learn as I go have shaped how I lead: no obstacle or challenge is too big to take on. Those lessons, and the courage to figure things out, have carried me through every chapter of my career.
You can see this in my career. I’ve spent eight years at BOK Financial learning and never being afraid to stand at the front lines of helping people. From teller, banker, and business banker, to financial center leader, each role taught me something new. Together, they created a foundation of listening, problem-solving, and empathy. That path eventually led me to fraud prevention, where every one of those skills matters, and where I feel I’ve truly stepped into my power.
Now serving as fraud prevention and detection lead, I’ve learned that fraud is technical, but it’s human first. On the phone, you’re not just dealing with a transaction, you’re dealing with the fear, shame, and uncertainty people on the other line are holding. The conversations can be heavy. I talk to people who have lost thousands of dollars, sometimes their entire life savings, and those stories never leave you. In those moments, my job is to stay calm, remove the weight of shame, and walk with them to a clear plan for recovery and resolution. The victory is not just catching the scheme, but helping someone feel heard, protected, and supported.
That’s why I take this work personally. The work isn’t abstract to me; it’s about people’s lives. However, the threats keep evolving, making my job even more challenging. Today, fraud schemes are more sophisticated than ever, fueled by AI and new technology. That means timelines are tighter and analysis runs deeper than before. But instead of being intimidated, I lean in. I make the time to stay up to date, learn new skills constantly, and keep growing so I can be that steady, trusted voice for both customers and colleagues.
Still, the most powerful turning point in my life wasn’t a promotion or a milestone. It was becoming a mother. When my first daughter was born, I promised myself I would model strength and possibility for her. As a strong immigrant woman, I wanted her to grow up knowing that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. I remind my children often: it’s not where you start, it’s how you move forward.
That’s why one of my proudest moments was leading a seven-week business series and bringing her with me. I wanted her to see her mother teaching, leading, and standing confidently in front of a room, so she could picture herself doing the same one day. I hope she sees the work I do and the doors that can open when you refuse to be held back.
Looking ahead, I’m doubling down on my path in fraud prevention. Threats will keep evolving, but so will I. Every new tactic I learn, every skill I sharpen, means more people can know their options before a crisis strikes.
Power, to me, is showing up again and again, especially when it’s hard. It’s finding your voice, building strength through setbacks, and carrying that forward not just for yourself, but for the people who depend on you. That’s how I’ve found my power, and how I hope to help others find theirs.
Connect With Claudia
Comments