Director, Asset Protection and Safety
Gabe's
Liz Burkholder is a seasoned retail professional with over 30 years of experience in operations, asset protection, and security. Currently at Gabe's, she heads the company's asset protection and safety function, bringing extensive multi-location expertise across both specialty and big box environments. Known for building high-performing programs and teams at scale, Liz has driven results across regional, national, and international assignments throughout her career. She holds a BA in Public Relations from Augusta State University
Tuesday Jun 9
3:45pm - 4:30pm
Texas C, Level 3
Retailers are facing an alarming surge in phone‑based scams, fueled by increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics and the expanding reach of organized retail crime. Recent industry data shows that 70% of retailers experienced rising phone scams in the past year, marking one of the sharpest increases across all fraud categories. This session examines how criminals are exploiting phone‑based impersonation, AI‑generated voice technology and caller ID spoofing to deceive both customers and front-line retail employees. Panelists will also explore how phone scams act as gateways to broader fraud, including account takeovers, fraudulent returns, BOPIS exploitation and coordinated ORC activity targeting store teams. Attendees will leave with actionable insights into how retailers can strengthen defenses through cross‑functional fraud and AP collaboration, improved call verification processes, employee training and emerging AI‑based authentication technologies.
