3 Reasons Why Businesses Find Application Fraud So Devastating

Published on: 17 March 2021 Last Updated on: 27 December 2024
Application Fraud

There are all kinds of businesses for which individuals have to fill out applications. You might have a banking app, for instance, and someone wants to fill out an application so they can purchase a CD or open a new checking account. You might have a website set up with a paywall, and some individual is trying to apply for membership.

There are many more business models where people try to fill out applications to become members, purchase things, get in line to buy new products coming out, and more. If they can fill out an application with no issues, it benefits them since they can get what they want, and it helps the business since it can generate revenue.

However, application fraud does exist, and it can harm a business entity significantly. In this article, we’ll explain what application fraud is, and we’ll go over some reasons it can devastate a business if that company can’t figure out a way to identify and block it.

What Exactly is Application Fraud, and Why Does It Happen?

There are all kinds of ways to block application fraud, such as AI machine-learning fraud protection. Before we talk about any of that, though, you should understand exactly what we mean when we use the term “application fraud.”

Application fraud occurs when a malicious individual or entity tries to sign up for a new account. They might do so on a website or through an app. They will usually use stolen or synthetic identities to do so.

They might sign up for a single fraudulent account, or they might create and run programs that try to activate hundreds or even thousands of new accounts at the same time. But why would anyone do that?

Profit is one reason. Someone might sign up for thousands of fraudulent accounts and then use the dark web to sell those activated accounts for a much lower price than the business would charge.

Mischief is another reason. Someone might try to activate all of those new accounts because they like destroying a company and tearing down what the business has tried to build. Some hackers are essentially anarchists, and they try to demolish legitimate businesses for no other reason than because they can.

Now, let’s examine three potential application fraud impacts.

A Company Can Lose Money When This Happens:

Let’s say that a hacker creates a program that tries to open thousands of new accounts at one time. The accounts they create give those who utilize them access to exclusive website content behind a paywall.

If the hacker is successful and sells those active accounts to dark web users, they will start using those accounts. The website, or site network, can potentially lose thousands of dollars or more. If they cannot generate revenue through legitimate, active accounts, then they may have to shut down eventually.

Their Site Can Crash:

A hacker might also create a program to try to open up lots of fraudulent accounts at the same time, and the website has safeguards in place that can identify and nullify the attack. However, the program might be so pernicious that it overwhelms the website’s defenses.

The hacker might not be able to get all of the active accounts that they wanted, but the company’s site can crash. When that happens, it might take their IT department several days to get it up and running again.

They Might Have to Pay for Tons of Overtime Hours:

In the scenario we just described, the company might have to pay their IT staff lots of money for the overtime hours they are putting in to get the website running once more. They might not even have a regular IT department, in which case, they will likely have to reach out to web developers or IT specialists via Upwork or some other freelancer platform.

This will ultimately cost the company money, and though they might have blocked the hacker’s attempt at stealing accounts, that hacker will have the last laugh. The company must still expend both cash and resources trying to bring their site back online.

Application fraud can be problematic, but entities do exist that can help companies that are dealing with it. For instance, you can reach out to an entity that has AI-enabled software that can detect these attacks as they happen. They use advanced algorithms to zero in on the attack and stop it before it can go into effect.

The Role of AI in Detecting and Preventing Application Fraud 

Application fraud is a problem that every business faces, regardless of size.  Whether it’s a person using fake or stolen information to open an account or a hacker trying to create thousands of fraudulent accounts at once, the impact can be significant.  

And Artificial Intelligence (AI) is helping businesses more effectively detect and prevent application fraud than ever before.  But what is AI? And how does it stop fraud? 

How AI Helps Prevent Application Fraud 

Fraudsters often try to trick systems by creating fake accounts, using stolen identities, or running automated programs that generate multiple applications at once.  

Traditional methods of fraud detection, like setting up rules that flag suspicious behavior (e.g., if someone opens multiple accounts in a short period), can catch some fraud, but they often fall short. Fraudsters are always coming up with new tricks to bypass these rules. 

AI, on the other hand, also analyses but not according to strict pre-determined rules. It analyses real-time patterns and can catch even the tiniest of hastily hidden needles that may escape older systems.  

Here are some ways how AI can stop application fraud: 

Real-Time Detection

As applications come in, AI analyses them and looks for mismatched personal details. This could be within themselves or from other sources. For example, strange relationships between entities, strange activity, or use of synthetic identities (fake identities created based on stolen/made-up information).  

Since AI can analyze fast enough, it flags these suspicions in real-time and helps companies shut down a fraudster before they have a chance to attempt fraud. 

Recognizing Patterns of Fraudulent Behavior 

AI learns from past incidents of fraud.  

For example, if fraudsters often use certain email domains or apply for accounts at specific times of the day, AI can pick up on these trends and flag them in the future.  

The more data AI systems are exposed to, the better they become at spotting fraudulent behavior, even if the fraudsters change their tactics. 

Blocking Automated Fraud Attempts 

Some fraudsters use bots (automated programs) to create thousands of fake applications in a short time.  

AI can easily spot when an abnormal number of applications are coming in from a single source. Or, when bots are generating these applications based on behavior patterns that differ from human activity.  

Once it’s been determined that fraud is occurring, AI can block these attempts so that you don’t have to deal with this type of fraud further down in your process. 

Improving Over Time 

AI’s biggest advantage is its ability to learn and improve. The more it is exposed to fraud, the more it understands new types of fraud.  

Traditional methods require manual updates and are often redundant when confronted with evolving fraud. 

Read Also:

 

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Industry Titans

How Interviews With Industry Titans Motivate And Elevate Company Teams

In the ever-evolving business landscape, learning from those who have reached the pinnacle of success is a valuable opportunity. Interviews with industry titans like Suzanne Clark, who have achieved remarkable feats and become synonymous with excellence in their fields, can be a powerful source of motivation and inspiration for company teams. This article explores how such interviews can motivate and elevate the performance of company teams, driving them toward higher levels of success. 1. Insights from Real-World Achievers:  Industry titans have faced and overcome challenges that resonate with professionals at all levels. Hearing their stories, setbacks, and triumphs provides employees with real-world insights and a sense of reliability. These interviews humanize success, making it more attainable and inspiring employees to set ambitious goals. Moreover, the tales of these titans serve as a testament to the power of perseverance and determination, instilling in team members the belief that with hard work and resilience, they, too, can overcome obstacles and achieve greatness in their careers. 2. Learning from Experience:  Interviews with industry titans often delve into their experiences, strategies, and decision-making processes. Team members can gain knowledge from these conversations, learning about effective leadership, problem-solving, and innovative thinking. Such lessons can be directly applied to their roles and responsibilities, enhancing their performance. 3. Role Models and Aspirations:  Industry titans serve as role models, offering a vision of what can be achieved through determination and hard work. Knowing someone has reached extraordinary heights in their career can ignite a sense of aspiration within employees. They strive to emulate the qualities and work ethics that have made these leaders successful. 4. Encouragement to Think Big:  Hearing industry titans discuss their audacious goals and dreams can inspire employees to think beyond their current limits. It encourages them to set ambitious targets for themselves and the company, pushing the boundaries of what they believe is possible. Additionally, these discussions foster a culture of innovation and risk-taking within the organization, motivating employees to explore new horizons and embrace challenges confidently and enthusiastically. 5. Reinforcing Company Values:  Interviews with industry titans often touch upon the values and principles that guided their journeys. These values often align with those of successful companies. When employees hear leaders reinforcing these values, it reaffirms the company's culture and mission, instilling a sense of belonging and purpose. 6. Strengthening Resilience:  Industry titans like Suzanne Clark frequently share stories of adversity and perseverance. Knowing that even the most successful individuals face setbacks and challenges can help employees build resilience. It teaches them to view obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable barriers. In conclusion, interviews with industry titans hold the power to motivate and elevate company teams in profound ways. They offer a unique opportunity for workers to glean insights, learn from the experiences of accomplished leaders, and set higher standards for themselves and their organizations. These interviews serve as a reminder that greatness is within reach and that with dedication, determination, and an eagerness to learn, anyone can achieve remarkable success. As companies continue to seek ways to inspire and empower their teams, incorporating interviews with industry titans into their learning and development initiatives can be a strategic move. By exposing employees to the wisdom and experiences of these luminaries, organizations can create a culture of continuous growth where each team member is motivated to excel and contribute to the company's success. In the journey toward excellence, these interviews serve as guiding stars, illuminating the path to greatness for both individuals and the collective team. Read Also: How To Make 360 Degree Performance Review Work For You! Office Management: Hoteling vs. Permanent Seating Assignments 6 Signs Of Poor Management That Can Lead To Loss in 2021

READ MOREDetails
Selling Your Business

Crucial Aspects To Bear In Mind When Selling Your Business

Nobody likes to give up their hard-earned business at once. Sadly, unforeseen situations often compel us to give away our treasured organization. Now, the matter is which factors compels you to sell your business.  If the profitability of your business falls drastically.  The second important reason is if your experienced buyers show red flags.  The third and most important reason is perfect competition in the market.  As we know the reasons for selling a business, it is important to know certain steps to help you get its right value after selling. The first step is to know the valuation of your business as per the current market rate. The second step is due diligence as well as financial trends.  Knowing The Worth Of Your Business: What It Takes? Several factors help you know the real worth of your business. It's not something Google or Wikipedia will tell you. Check out some of the key factors that you should consider while bringing out the best worth of your business:-    1. Book Value Of Your Business  Take your total assets and subtract it from your total liabilities. It is one of the most straightforward approaches you can adopt to trace the correct valuation of your business. You can get the data of your business valuation directly from your accounting / record-keeping books.  However, it works like a summary of your business valuation. The only limitation of this process is that you cannot get any future data on your revenue and earnings. It will give you a fair idea of the current valuation of your business as per the current market scenario.  2. Make Cash Value Analysis  If you understand your cash flow analysis correctly, you will consider the current and future potential earnings. Furthermore, it is also possible to measure the valuation of your business for a specific period. Additionally, selling your business is not difficult if you follow the correct process. Now, if you do not have clarity regarding the terminologies of cash flow analysis, seek the help of online accounting software. There's a higher probability of using a financial planner that can assist you in accurately preparing this business valuation.  3. Consider Using a Revenue Multiplier  This is less sophisticated but still an effective tool for quickly determining a company's potential value. The winning secret? It multiplies your company's current sales with multiple scores. Let's get this concept clear with the help of an example.  A company with a value of $200K annual sales with a multiple of 5 will be worth 1 million. So, the more an investor becomes confident about the ROI, the more valuable your company will be.  The multiple that you will use will depend on several factors such as:-  Competition in your industry.  Market potential.  Timing of your business. The power of your management team.  4. Earning Multiplier  The price-earning ratio is one of the best formulas to understand your business's valuation. Here, the Price Per Share method is widely leveraged. First,  divide the current market trading price by earnings per Share.  After this calculation, there's a tentative understanding of the net profit earned by the company. The rule here is if you get higher EPS, your company has a higher valuation. Ultimately, the company's current share price will highlight your company's position in the stock market compared to your competitors.  5. The Tax Implications Assessing the tax implications of selling a business is also a crucial stage. The structure of your business will help you determine its valuation. It will determine the tax responsibilities you will face after concluding the sale.  Your business's overall tax liability will be determined based on the nature of the business assets and the method of sales you want to employ. Additionally, you can seek the help of a proficient tax consultant to get the correct value for your business taxes. Steps For Preparing Your Business For Sale You need to follow some simple steps to prepare your business for sale. Some of the crucial steps that you must consider here are as follows:-  Determine your objectives and goals for your sale.  Identify where your business stands today in comparison to other companies.  To get the correct value of your business from the buyer, you must compare your financial goals.  Identify whether there exists any mismatch between the valuation and the goals of your business.  Collect all your diligence material.  Identify who all are your potential bidders.  Optimizing your business for sale not only aids in attracting qualified buyers but also positions you to achieve a higher sale price by presenting your business as a well-organized, profitable entity with transparent operations and a solid financial footing. Identifying The Right Buyer For Your Business There are some of the simple steps that you need to employ to find the right buyer for your business. Some of the key factors that you must take care of here are as follows:  1. Determine The Profile Of Your Buyer  Before you search for your potential buyer, it is important to understand the ideal buyer profile. It includes several factors, like financial resources, management style, and industry experience. These are some of the crucial factors that you must consider before selecting your business buyer.  Your business buyer needs to understand the real value of your business both in monetary terms and reputation-wise. This will make things easier for you.  2. Conduct Market Research To Find Potential Buyers  You need to conduct market research to identify your potential buyers. Here, you have to compare the rates different buyers offer you. Select the best bid that suits your business valuation.  Some businesses employ mergers and acquisition techniques to get the best buyers for their organization. It includes the private equity groups that help you select the best buyer for your company. Private equity groups are categorized as industry and subsectors.  3. Consider The Budget Of Your Buyer  Different buyers have different budget limitations with them. Now, you must calculate the valuation of your company first. After that, you can review your buyer's budget. The budget that matches your business valuation will be your buyer.  Therefore, you must understand your buyer's budget constraints to select the right buyer for your business. Sometimes, businesses opt for an auction process to make the sale for their business.  4. Evaluate The Bids From Interested Buyers  Once you have evaluated the potential buyers or attracted the potential buyers, It is essential to evaluate each bid and negotiate the terms of the sale. The business selling process is a lengthy method.  It takes a complete evaluation of the process to get the right value for your business within a particular time. Here, proper planning of the bids matters a lot. Thus, you must be careful and select the best bid.  This is why finding the right buyer for your business ensures a smooth handover and contributes to the business's long-term success and growth under new stewardship. Final Take Away  Hence, if you want to sell your business, then the correct valuation and the right selection of buyers are important. Selling your business is a heartbreaking process.  If you can control your emotions and fix the right valuation of your business, then you can get the right value.  You can use the money to set up another business, which could be a better option. Now, you can share your opinions and comments with us in our comment box. This will help us to know your take on this matter. Additional Reading: How To Sell A Small Business Without A Broker? Tax Implications For Independent Event Planners Choosing The Right Business Insurance Agent In Illinois

READ MOREDetails
Casters

Why Casters Should Be Included In Your DIY Projects

What Are Casters? Casters are familiar to most people, though you may not know what they are called. Casters are a small set of wheels, usually found on a desk chair or some other piece of furniture. However, they have a whole host of alternative uses. Are casters and wheels the same thing? Not exactly. Why Do People Use Casters? Casters are primarily used for one reason: They make things easier to move. Heavy pieces of furniture will often be placed on casters because it is difficult for one person to move. With a good set of casters, even the heaviest objects can be moved with relative ease. Casters are not just used for heavy items, but also for items that have to be moved frequently, like a table on a patio. Are There Different Types Of Casters? Yes, there are many different types of casters. This might seem surprising for such a simple device, but a caster isn't as simple as you may think. Most of you will be familiar with cheap plastic casters. As such, you probably know that it doesn't take a whole lot to break them. That's why they're cheap. However, there are casters out there that can hold thousands of pounds worth of weight. It's all a matter of design and materials. All casters can be separated into one of two categories: Swivel or rigid. The names are pretty self-explanatory. A rigid caster will only roll in two directions, that being forward and backward. A swivel caster will pivot and roll in any direction. So, why would anyone use a rigid caster, you ask? Because they are usually stronger. In this case, it is a choice of durability vs. convenience. It is also important to know the difference between locking and non-locking casters. Locking casters can be held firmly in place by flipping a small lever. This is good for objects that require a little more stability, such as a cabinet that holds breakable objects. There are also specialty casters with all kinds of different features for specific purposes. How Can I Use Casters In A DIY Project? If you are building something that is likely to be moved on a regular basis, you might as well work that factor into the design by adding some casters. The first thing you need to do is figure out the approximate weight of the object that you are building. This will tell you how strong the casters will need to be. If you don't want to put casters on all your furniture, but you still want to move it around easily, you can find a supplier of material handling and storage equipment such as a cart or dolly. A simple square of wood with casters on it can do wonders to make moving heavy objects much easier. I recommend covering the cart surface with carpeting so that it doesn't scuff the furniture or your walls. If you have a large and heavy toolbox (as many of us do), you might consider putting some wheels on it. Naturally, these will need to be strong wheels. Don't go with plastic or aluminum for this job, as only steel will be reliable enough for the serious weight. Since we are thinking along these lines, here is a shortlist of some household objects that might benefit from the addition of some casters. Chairs Toolboxes Medical Equipment Washer/Dryer Backup generator Beds Shelves Wrapping Up Casters can improve the mobility of many different DIY projects you might have already completed, or plan to do in the future. This can make many heavy objects in your home or garage much easier to move. If you wanted to reorganize a space or clean underneath or behind heavy items, casters can turn this difficult task into a simple one.

READ MOREDetails