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Fraud Week 2024 shines a light on AI-driven deception, Nov. 17 – 23

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SAS joins forces with the ACFE to explore the two-edged sword that is GenAI and showcases organizations using advanced analytics to get the upper hand

CARY, N.C., Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Among the 13,500 people surveyed for SAS’ 2023 Faces of Fraud consumer fraud study, 7 in 10 reported falling victim to fraud at least once. Nearly 40% of the 16-country survey’s respondents reported two or more fraud experiences. To counter rampant AI-fueled scams, data and AI leader SAS again allies with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and hundreds of organizations worldwide to promote anti-fraud readiness and education throughout International Fraud Awareness Week, Nov. 17 – 23, 2024.

Preventing #fraud starts with awareness. Learn more & join the conversation online, Nov. 17-23. #FraudWeek

 “AI technology, and generative AI in particular, has proven incredibly dangerous in the wrong hands,” said ACFE President John Gill. “According to our most recent anti-fraud technology study with SAS, 83% of anti-fraud professionals anticipate adding GenAI tools to their defenses over the next two years. They’re forced to keep up in what’s become an escalating tech arms race with criminal enterprises – but it’s an uneven playing field because, unlike their adversaries, fraud fighters must use these technologies ethically and comply with regulations.”

AI vs. AI: using advanced tech to outmaneuver fraudsters
As generative AI continues to reshape the fraud and financial crime landscape, how can anti-fraud pros best position their organizations to foil spiraling criminal exploits? Join SAS and the ACFE for a Fraud Week webinar – open for the first time to ACFE members and non-members alike – where experts will discuss the evolution of GenAI and its growing role in fraud prevention and detection.

Fighting Financial Crime in the Generative AI Age
Nov. 21, 2024, at 10 a.m. CST (and available later on demand)

The webinar will explore current GenAI trends, future implications of the technology and how organizations can keep pace with accelerating innovation. Attendees will get guidance on how to:

Future-proof against GenAI threats in fraud.Utilize advancements and innovative solutions to reshape their anti-fraud programs.Establish trust and responsibility when implementing GenAI technologies.

“Banks, government agencies, insurers, merchants and other businesses continue to modernize with apps and digital offerings to match public demand – and in parallel, criminals are finding and exploiting weaknesses using increasingly sophisticated tools, particularly generative AI,” said Stu Bradley, Senior Vice President of Risk, Fraud and Compliance Solutions at SAS. “But as our customers are proving with their many fraud-fighting successes, even in this climate, establishing robust data ecosystems of digital data points and effective use of composite AI – AI aligned to a specific use case – can help organizations agilely adapt to evolving threats.”

Predicting real-time payment fraud with real-time analytics
Financial institutions have milliseconds to approve or deny an incoming transaction – a staggering task considering that total global credit card transactions alone averaged nearly two billion daily in 2023, the equivalent of almost 23,000 transactions per second. To quickly and accurately identify suspicious activity, digital payments service provider Nets (part of Milan-based Nexi Group) uses anti-fraud technology from SAS. 

Nets provides digital payment services used by over 740,000 merchant outlets and hundreds of banks. Critically, SAS’ AI capabilities enable the European paytech to continually improve its predictive fraud modeling to ensure that the millions of consumers it serves enjoy seamless – and safe – instant payments.

“With SAS Fraud Management, we can process massive amounts of data to identify unusual patterns and sift the fraudulent transactions from the authentic ones – all in real time,” said Jukka-Pekka Kokkonen, Head of Fraud and Dispute at Nexi Group.

“Because of the nature of this battle, it’s critical to constantly monitor fraud detection performance,” added Kokkonen. “The SAS solution … allows us to adapt as needed to battle changing threats in different regions of the world.”

Fighting claims fraud to deliver quality service and reasonable premiums
Since issuing its first policy in 1994, Quálitas MX has grown into the leading auto insurer in Mexico, serving nearly one-third of the market. It boasts more than 20,000 agents and provides coverage for more than five million vehicles. Remaining at the forefront of innovation and technology is an operational cornerstone outlined in Quálitas’ vision statement – and it is reflected in the company’s cloud-based approach to fighting fraud.

For more than a decade, Quálitas has relied on SAS Fraud Framework to detect and prevent claims fraud. The insurer is building AI models to better detect suspicious activity. Early and accurate fraud detection reduces losses, which helps keep premiums down while also expediting the payment of legitimate claims. Both are key factors in delivering quality service and nurturing customer loyalty.

“We have a lot of data in the company, a lot of transactions, and the challenge for us is to use that data to answer questions and make better decisions,” said Rene Abdala, Director of Strategic Planning at Quálitas. “SAS delivers a single view of our customers that helps us identify fraud and other risks. We also use SAS for optimizing pricing and to monitor KPIs across the company.”

Detecting fraud within seconds with real-time data monitoring
Techcombank is a Vietnamese joint-stock bank, serving nearly 14 million retail and corporate customers through its digital banking platform, mobile app and more than 300 branches nationwide. In Vietnam, more than 50% of digital fraud attacks target banks and financial firms, so identifying and preventing fraud is paramount.

Techcombank has implemented a proactive data monitoring system using an enterprise fraud solution from SAS, allowing employees to analyze customer behavior in real time. The results: enhanced fraud detection and prevention capabilities across multiple products and channels on a single platform. The bank slashed the time needed for fraud detection to mere seconds while also minimizing false positives.

“While many banks are reactive and may implement solutions only after fraud issues catch up with them, we made the decision to move early on this front,” said Joseph Vu, Director of Technology and Digital Risk Management at Techcombank. 

“With SAS, we consolidated our fraud detection and investigation while also assigning data authorization to the right specialists. We now act faster, more effectively and more precisely in our information sharing, reporting, business rule writing, triggering alerts and investigation.”

Uncovering noncompliance, tax avoidance and tax evasion
The Mediterranean island nation of Malta is in the midst of a three-year strategic plan to modernize the technology used to collect taxes and customs. The agency responsible – the Malta Tax and Customs Administration (MTCA) – uses SAS as part of those efforts to detect compliance issues and ensure that every citizen and corporation pays their fair share.

Noncompliance, tax avoidance and tax evasion cost governments about 10% to 20% of anticipated annual revenue – and in countries where enforcement is lax, those rates can be as high as 80%. Fixing the problem could yield millions in additional revenue. Using SAS solutions on SAS® Viya®, the MTCA can analyze real-time data, allowing for more effective monitoring and more timely interventions.

“Previously, we had an entirely manual process,” said Joseph Caruana, Commissioner for Tax and Customs at MTCA. “Now thanks to SAS advanced analytics and AI capabilities, audits are much faster and more effective, because they are based on cross-referenced data. … We are more effective because our decisions are data-driven and much timelier.”

Join the conversation online
For more customer stories, thought leadership and practical anti-fraud tips throughout the observance, follow #FraudWeek on Twitter/X and LinkedIn. You’ll find conversations and real-world guidance from SAS experts on payments fraud, identity and digital fraud, money laundering and financial crimes, claims fraud, unemployment fraud, health care fraud and cost containment, procurement fraud, and other fraud topics.

About SAS
SAS is a global leader in data and AI. With SAS software and industry-specific solutions, organizations transform data into trusted decisions. SAS gives you THE POWER TO KNOW®. 

SAS and all other SAS Institute Inc. product or service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of SAS Institute Inc. in the USA and other countries. ® indicates USA registration. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies. Copyright © 2024 SAS Institute Inc. All rights reserved.

SAS Editorial Contacts:

Danielle Bates

Trey Whittenton

danielle.bates@sas.com

trey.whittenton@sas.com 

+1 919-531-1959

919-531-2250

sas.com/news

 

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/C O R R E C T I O N from Source — Carbon Upcycling Technologies Inc./

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In the news release, Carbon Upcycling, Minnesota DOT and National Road Research Alliance Joint Study Shows High-Performance Low-Carbon Concrete is 30% Stronger than Existing Roadways, issued 12-Nov-2024 by Carbon Upcycling Technologies Inc. over CNW, we are advised by the company that corrections were made to the release. The complete, corected release follows:

Carbon Upcycling, Minnesota DOT and National Road Research Alliance Joint Study Shows High-Performance Low-Carbon Concrete is Stronger than Existing Roadways

Carbon Upcycling’s concrete mix demonstrated a 28% increase in strength at 28 days, while reducing cementitious content by 12.3%, setting a new standard for low-carbon sustainable infrastructure

CALGARY, AB, Nov. 12, 2024 /CNW/ – Carbon Upcycling Technologies, Inc. (Carbon Upcycling), a leader in decarbonization and carbon capture & utilization (CCU) for hard-to-abate industries, along with, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the National Road Research Alliance (NRRA) has successfully completed the construction phase of a multi-year study on the use of low-carbon cement in highways. The results highlight Carbon Upcycling’s ability to be a drop-in solution for reducing carbon-intensive cement in concrete.

The study, managed by Sutter Engineering LLC and sponsored by the National Road Research Alliance (NRRA), rigorously tested 16 unique concrete mixtures in real-world conditions on an active Minnesota highway to identify options that could reduce the carbon footprint of infrastructure without sacrificing strength or durability. Completed in early 2024, the study aimed to find materials that could significantly lower the carbon footprint of concrete paving without compromising durability. Carbon Upcycling’s CO2-enhanced mix achieved a 12.3% reduction in cement content while matching the workability of traditional concrete, allowing seamless handling, placement, and setting times for construction crews. These findings provide valuable data to guide future low-carbon infrastructure projects across North America, as the seamless integration into existing workflows offers a drop-in, low-carbon alternative without compromising ease of use or performance.

The study revealed significant performance and environmental benefits of Carbon Upcycling’s concrete mix:

Increased Strength: 28% stronger at 28 days compared to the advanced control concrete.Reduced Cement Use: The CCU process allowed a 12.3% reduction in cementitious material, effectively reducing both carbon emissions and material costs.Greater Resiliency to Natural Elements: 32% increase in chloride resistivity for more durable concrete.

“Infrastructure is the very foundation of a sustainable future, and at Carbon Upcycling we’re committed to creating materials that support this vision while establishing a secure, stable North American supply chain,” said Apoorv Sinha, CEO of Carbon Upcycling. “Our collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Transportation highlights how Carbon Upcycling can transform captured emissions into local materials that strengthen our infrastructure. By focusing on resilience and sustainability, we’re contributing to a vision where our essential structures are clean and built to last.”

Carbon Upcycling partnered with BURNCO to deploy and test 140 m³ of its CCU-enhanced concrete mix, monitored by Larry Sutter, Principal Engineer at Sutter Engineering LLC, for strength, workability, and environmental impact on a Minnesota highway.

“Carbon Upcycling submitted a very impressive mixture design to the trial,” said Larry Sutter, MnDOT’s Principal Engineer and the project’s technical manager. “Their material not only achieved the highest reduction in cementitious content among all submissions but also demonstrated remarkable strength. By embedding CO2 and reducing the reliance on portland cement, Carbon Upcycling’s technology addresses one of the concrete industry’s most pressing challenges—lowering its carbon footprint as global demand for cement is expected to double by 2050. This project data will be invaluable as the industry works toward its 2030 CO2 reduction targets.”

Since 2021, Carbon Upcycling has deployed over 3,000 tonnes of low-carbon cement and has attracted investment from some of the world’s largest cement industry players such as Cemex, CRH and Titan Cement.

About Carbon Upcycling Technologies:
Carbon Upcycling is a decarbonization and carbon capture & utilization technology provider for the world’s hardest-to-abate industries. The company’s commercial technology upcycles point-source industrial CO2 emissions and local industrial waste materials into high-performance, low-carbon cement alternatives. The company is currently commissioning its first-of-a-kind commercial system at Canada’s largest cement plant. Carbon Upcycling has received global recognition for its industry-leading innovation. Notably, Carbon Upcycling was named a 2023 and 2024 Global Cleantech 100, Reuter’s Top 100 Innovators Leading the Energy Transition, and a World Economic Forum 2024 Technology Pioneer.

For more information, visit www.carbonupcycling.com.

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SOURCE Carbon Upcycling Technologies Inc.

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Massachusetts Community Colleges Partner with AMSimpkins & Associates to Implement their S.A.F.E. Platform in Efforts to Combat Student Applicant Fraud

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This partnership marks a significant milestone for Massachusetts Community Colleges in their efforts to prevent fraud and ensure equitable access to education. The implementation of S.A.F.E. will provide the institutions with cutting-edge technology and reliable safeguards, solidifying their reputation as forward-thinking leaders in the fight against student application fraud.

ATLANTA, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — AMSimpkins & Associates, a leader in cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions for educational institutions, is proud to announce that Massachusetts Community Colleges have selected the S.A.F.E. (Student Application Fraudulent Examination) platform to bolster their efforts in preventing and detecting student application fraud. This strategic move underscores Massachusetts’ commitment to maintaining the integrity of its admissions process and ensuring that valuable educational resources reach legitimate students.

“We’re excited to partner with Massachusetts Community Colleges and support their mission to provide quality education to genuine, eligible students.”

In recent years, fraudulent applications and financial aid scams have become increasingly pervasive issues, especially as institutions pivot towards more digital and remote application processes. By adopting the S.A.F.E. platform, Massachusetts Community Colleges are taking a proactive stance to safeguard their institutions against evolving fraud tactics.

S.A.F.E., developed by AMSimpkins & Associates, is a comprehensive fraud detection and prevention solution that leverages advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning algorithms, and real-time monitoring to identify potentially fraudulent activity within the student application and financial aid processes. With over 50 colleges and universities already utilizing the S.A.F.E. platform, Massachusetts Community Colleges now join a growing community of educational institutions committed to integrity, transparency, and security.

“S.A.F.E. is built from the ground up with the unique needs of higher education institutions in mind,” said Maurice Simpkins, President of AMSimpkins & Associates. “With our deep understanding of the higher education landscape, we’ve created a solution that not only detects and prevents fraud but also allows institutions to seamlessly integrate these checks into their admissions workflows. We’re excited to partner with Massachusetts Community Colleges and support their mission to provide quality education to genuine, eligible students.”

The S.A.F.E. platform offers a robust set of features to prevent and detect fraudulent applications, including:

Real-time Identity Verification: Through partnerships with industry-leading identity verification services, S.A.F.E. ensures that applicants are who they claim to be by cross-referencing multiple data points, including Social Security Number validation, address checks, and real-time ID verification.AI-Driven Anomaly Detection: S.A.F.E. continuously monitors and learns from application data patterns, enabling it to detect suspicious behaviors that could indicate fraudulent activity.Geo-Blocking and Risk Scoring: Institutions can customize geo-blocking settings to restrict access from high-risk regions and employ dynamic risk scoring based on user interactions, device profiling, and behavior analytics.Customizable Fraud Rules and Policies: The platform allows administrators to set specific fraud thresholds and responses, tailoring the system’s sensitivity to meet the unique needs of each college or university.Real-time Alerts and Data Sharing: S.A.F.E. sends real-time alerts to designated stakeholders if suspicious activities are detected, allowing for quick responses and preventative actions.Additionally, the platform facilitates data sharing across institutions to block repeated offenders system-wide.

In addition to its fraud prevention features, AMSimpkins & Associates also provides cybersecurity consulting and support through partnerships with Cybersecurity organizations, adding another layer of protection for Massachusetts Community Colleges. This comprehensive approach aligns perfectly with the state’s vision of creating a secure and resilient higher education environment.

About AMSimpkins & Associates

AMSimpkins & Associates is an industry-leading provider of cybersecurity solutions focused on safeguarding educational institutions. Their flagship product, S.A.F.E. (Student Application Fraudulent Examination), is specifically designed to address the complex challenges of fraud in higher education admissions and financial aid. By partnering with colleges, universities, and technology providers, AMSimpkins & Associates is committed to maintaining the integrity of education by keeping students and institutions safe from fraud.

For more information about AMSimpkins & Associates and the S.A.F.E. platform, please visit amsa-highered.com

Media Contact

LAQWACIA SIMPKINS, AMSimpkins and Associates, 1 6786824193, LSIMPKINS@AMSA-CONSULTING.COM, AMSimpkins and Associates

Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

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SOURCE AMSimpkins and Associates

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bswift Acquires Evive: Launches Integrated Personalized Engagement Platform

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bswift announces a fully integrated personalized engagement solution aimed at delivering better health care outcomes through data-driven personalization, predictive analytics, and behavioral science. 

CHICAGO, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — bswift LLC, an industry leader in employee benefits technology and administration, announced today the launch of its fully-integrated personalization and engagement engine. This solution is a result of bswift’s recent acquisition of Evive Health, LLC, a pioneer in the field with a demonstrated track record of driving outcomes for employees, employers and health plans by optimizing benefit understanding and utilization, resources, and programs for millions of Americans. 

“By bringing bswift and Evive together, we have integrated a powerful engagement platform,” – bswift CEO, Ted Bloomberg.

With this exciting investment, bswift reinforces its mission to lead the benefits administration space and strengthens its role as a strategic ally for its clients – empowering them to deliver on their benefits strategies by motivating plan participants to manage their health and wellbeing proactively.

“Our clients and partners consistently tell us that member engagement, personalized experiences, and cost management are their top strategic priorities today and in the foreseeable future,” said bswift CEO, Ted Bloomberg. “By bringing bswift and Evive together, we have integrated a powerful engagement platform into our core benefits administration solution. That is a first, and we are delighted to immediately and directly support employers’ critical priorities with proven, industry-leading capabilities.” 

Using data-driven personalization and the power of predictive analytics and behavioral science, bswift’s personalization toolset is proven to increase benefits awareness, engagement, and utilization by delivering tailored and actionable messages about the right benefit at the right time. Demonstrated results include driving a 3X increase in health actions recommended by qualified providers, and a 12% increase in annual preventative care screening visits. 

“We’re thrilled to be the first in our market to deliver this supercharged engagement capability across all aspects of the user experience,” said bswift Executive Vice President of Product, Matt Waldrup. “bswift is completely reimagining the benefits experience with personalized, data-driven, multi-channel communications that engage employees across their physical, emotional, financial, and personal wellbeing, empowering people to make the most of their benefits.” 

bswift’s new personalization engine empowers employers and employees: 

Personalized, next-best-action journeysReward and incentive-based gamification to boost engagementOn-the-go access to benefits and incentive activities via mobile appRobust analytics and reporting for HR teams to track campaign ROI and engagement metrics

Employers can now leverage bswift’s expertise to systematically deliver smarter, more relevant communications to promote healthier habits, optimize benefit utilization – and maximize employee health outcomes. 

About bswift 
bswift LLC offers cloud-based technology and services that transform the way employees perceive and engage with their benefits. With adaptive technology, service excellence, and compassionate service, bswift serves millions worldwide. Their comprehensive suite of solutions provides intuitive, personalized online enrollment, interactive decision support, ACA compliance reporting, and employee engagement. Visit www.bswift.com to learn more. 

About Evive 

Evive is a digital communications and engagement platform that helps health plans and employers optimize the benefits, resources and programs they offer their employees. Using data-driven personalization, closed-loop engagement reporting and the power of predictive analytics and behavioral science, Evive increases benefits awareness, engagement and utilization to deliver the right message about the right benefit at the right time. Visit www.goevive.com to learn more.

Media Contact: 
Zoya Siddiqui 
Senior Director, Marketing 
zsiddiqui@bswift.com

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SOURCE bswift LLC

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