Government agency security practices and protocols are not optimized to reduce fraud, waste, and abuse. Furthermore, fraud techniques constantly evolve, as do the tools used by individuals and organized crime networks.

Today, with access to the open, deep, and dark webs, fraudsters share techniques, steal resources, and sell them for money. Fraudsters are now using social media channels—such as Telegram—to sell toolkits and techniques to others who want to commit fraud. There are whole kits devoted to specific types of fraud, such as “How to commit pandemic unemployment assistance (PUA) fraud in Michigan, California or Massachusetts.” This is another example of just how creative fraudsters have become, but also an indication of how they are treating fraud as a business.

Open Source Intelligence Detects Fraud Against Government Programs

Open-source intelligence (OSINT) has become an integral part of security and intelligence methodologies, capable of extracting threat data from all over the web, including the open, deep, and dark webs, social media, and public records. In the fraud detection and prevention sector, OSINT is helpful in identifying bad actors and minimizing the risks for government agencies and businesses. Using OSINT, investigators can detect cyber threats, identify illegal activity, and uncover hidden leads in real time.

Download our White Paper today to learn how OSINT can be integrated into fraud detection workflows to mitigate the risk to government programs, ensure funds goes to those most in need.