At Stellar Bank, we're dedicated to helping customers achieve their financial goals. But our commitment goes deeper than that—we're also focused on protecting our customers, building trust, and creating safer communities through education and vigilance.
For Jamie Burud, fraud prevention is more than a profession—it's a passion that drives everything she does. As Senior Vice President, Fraud Director, Jamie leads Stellar Bank's efforts to combat financial crime and empower customers with the knowledge they need to protect themselves. We spoke with Jamie about what drew her to this work, how she stays ahead of sophisticated fraud threats, and why she believes education is the strongest defense against financial crime.
Tell us about your role at Stellar Bank.
I serve as the SVP, Fraud Director at Stellar Bank, where I oversee the bank’s fraud program and lead efforts to protect our customers and the institution from financial crime.
Jamie, Paul Egge, and Dallas bankers at the NYSE Texas bell ringing at AT&T Stadium.
What drew you to a career in banking, and what continues to motivate you in this field?
My entry into banking was actually accidental, but early in my career I discovered the world of fraud, and I was instantly captivated. I felt like I had found my calling.
What continues to motivate me is the constant evolution of fraud threats and the challenge of staying ahead of highly sophisticated threat actors. Every day, I’m driven by the opportunity to safeguard our customers, help victims recover their funds, and educate consumers on how to protect themselves. Collaborating with law enforcement to identify and stop fraudsters is incredibly rewarding and energizes me to keep pushing forward.
What does protecting customers mean to you, and how does that mindset guide your work at Stellar?
Protecting customers means equipping them with knowledge and tools to safeguard themselves. There’s no silver bullet against fraud, but education and information sharing are invaluable. Knowledge is power — the strongest asset customers have in fighting fraud. Banks can’t do it alone, and technology isn’t perfect. The more informed our customers are, the stronger we are together.
“At Stellar, we prioritize fraud awareness and education because informed customers are empowered customers. Our goal is to make fraud prevention a shared mission.”
Jamie Burud, SVP, Fraud Director
Why is fraud protection critical for both businesses and individual banking customers?
Fraudsters today use advanced technology and social engineering to exploit vulnerabilities. Without continuous education and awareness, businesses and individuals are more susceptible to becoming victims. Fraud protection isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Why is it so critical for banks to invest in specialized teams that focus on identifying and preventing fraud?
Fraud prevention, detection, and investigation require specialized skills that go beyond traditional compliance. A dedicated fraud team can help identify suspicious activity early, mitigate risk, and work closely with various law enforcement agencies. This proactive approach helps prevent significant losses, deters criminal activity, and strengthens trust.
Earlier this year, you spoke before the Texas Senate in support of Senate Bill 1379. Why is it important to work with legislation to advocate for stricter penalties for fraudulent activities?
Advocating for stricter penalties was a career highlight. Financial crimes are devastating yet historically treated as minor offenses at the state level. Senate Bill 1379 changes that, imposing tougher penalties and creating a stronger deterrent —especially for repeat offenders. It’s a significant win for fraud professionals and consumers.
Jamie testifies before the Criminal Justice Committee in support of Senate Bill 1379, which increases penalties for check fraud. Watch her testimony at 1:43:29.
What advice would you give customers to stay safe from evolving fraud threats — especially with the rise of modern scams?
Educate yourself and stay informed. Visit Stellar’s website for updated fraud resources. Promote an ethical culture, implement strong internal controls, and review accounts daily. Use secure payment services, avoid mailing checks in public boxes, and always stay fraud aware. Vigilance is your best defense. Trust but verify!
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Stay informed and fraud aware. Explore resources and protection tips at Stellar Bank's Fraud Protection Center.
