Brand Protection Investigator

Collectors is the leading creator of innovative technology that provides value-added services for collectors worldwide. We grade, authenticate, vault, and sell millions of record-setting collectibles, all while modernizing and digitalizing the process to further our mission of helping collectors pursue their passions. We’re always on the lookout for talented people to join our growing team.

Our services span collectible coins, trading cards, Funko Pops!, video games, event tickets, autographs, and memorabilia. Our subsidiaries include PSA, PCGS, SGC, WATA, and Card Ladder.

Since our founding in 1986, we have graded and authenticated millions of items. We employ more than 1,900 people across our headquarters in Santa Ana and offices in Jersey City, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Toronto, Guadalajara, Dallas, and Paris.

We’re looking for a Brand Protection Investigator with a strong background in sports and trading card hobby to provide investigative support and services for our Operations facility in our Santa Ana headquarters and other Collectors locations. 

As the Brand Protection Investigator, you will play a crucial role in safeguarding the company's intellectual property and brand integrity. This position involves identifying and mitigating risks related to counterfeiting, trademark infringement, and unauthorized use of the brand across various platforms and markets. This position is expected to work independently, leveraging investigative and intelligence collection skills and building a strong (internal + external) network.

You'll report to the Senior Brand Protection Manager and work onsite from our Santa Ana, CA office with occasional travel to our other domestic and international offices. 

What You’ll Do

• Identify and lead fraud investigations pertaining to counterfeit and/or tampered PSA products, the submission of counterfeit and/or altered trading cards, and other general IP infringement.

• Generating clear and detailed reports & recommendations for countermeasures. Thoroughly document information gathered during investigations to aid in successful prosecution of suspects.

• Developing & presenting procedural improvements utilizing strong analytical and problem solving skills.

• Create, maintain, and manage records using company approved methods, proper retention of evidence and disposition of evidence. 

• Monitor online social media, marketplaces and other websites for information on potential bad actors that could be attempting to break the PSA Terms and Conditions.

• Work with the Senior Brand Protection Managers to proactively identify gaps/areas of improvement with respect to identifying counterfeit products.

• Develop and distribute brand enforcement training materials to internal teams and external partners.

• Maintain relationships internally with key stakeholders and leadership and externally with business partners.

Who You Are:

• 3+ years of experience in brand protection, intellectual property enforcement, or related investigative roles.

• Bachelor’s degree in an area of study relevant to this position is preferred 

• It is preferred that top candidates will have one of the following Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) certification, Certified Fraud Examiners (CFE) or Certified Professional Criminal Investigator (CPCI)

• Excellent analytical skills and broad experience documenting investigations with the ability to think outside the box, handle multiple projects simultaneously, and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Understanding of different investigative methodologies (i.e. Social Network Analysis, Data Interpretation, Open Source Investigation)

• Experience collaborating with teams such as Legal, Loss Prevention and Operations

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills, and the capacity to work independently and collaboratively.

• Experience creating reports with tools such as Google Docs, Slides and Sheets.

• Experience utilizing investigative tools and programs such as CLEAR.

• Knowledge of sports cards or trading card games, preferred Familiarity with intellectual property laws and enforcement mechanisms, preferred

Salary Range: The salary range for this position is $75,000-$90,000. Actual compensation on this range varies based on a variety of non-discriminatory factors, including location, job level, experience, and skill set.

Reasons To Join Us:

• Health Insurance: All full-time employees are eligible to enroll in Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Additional Benefits: Full-time employees are eligible for fertility, commuter, and educational assistance benefits
• 401(K) Matching Plan: We are proud to offer a competitive 401k matching plan to our employees to support their future financial goals
• Vacation: All salaried employees are eligible for flexible time-off
• Holiday Pay: All regular, full-time employees are eligible for ten company paid holidays
• Employee Discounts: Employees receive discounts on select grading services for approved submissions
• Flexible Hours: Many of our teams offer flexible schedules with varying shifts and will work with you to accommodate your needs
• Fun Working Environment: Our team members are invited to participate in celebrations, holiday events, and team building activities

Collectors uses e-Verify to validate your ability to work legally in the United States.

We are aware that there are instances where individuals are receiving job offers that fraudulently allege to be from Collectors or one of our business units. This type of fraud can be carried out through false websites, through fake e-mails claiming to be from the company or through social media. We never ask for personal information such as your bank account, Social Security numbers or National IDs, nor do we send or request payments for the purchase of business-related equipment. If you suspect fraud, please reach out to [email protected].

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or parental status, disability, veteran status, or other class protected by applicable law. We believe that a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills will better service the diverse community of collectors we support.

If you require an accommodation to apply or interview with us due to a disability or special need, please email [email protected].

U.S. residents: for disclosures relating to personal information we collect during the employment application and recruitment process, please see our Privacy Notice for U.S. Applicants.

If you are based in California, you can read information for California residents here.