How public records and expert services transform risk management
Government agencies today face mounting challenges in managing risk and preventing identity fraud across programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Unemployment Insurance, Medicaid, and related initiatives. The landscape is constantly shifting—fraudsters are evolving, regulations are tightening, and the pressure to safeguard public funds has never been greater. To keep pace, agencies must modernize their approaches, leveraging not just technology or expertise alone, but the powerful combination of public records data and the nuanced insights of subject matter experts. Modernization means integrating new data sources and expert perspectives to stay ahead of emerging threats and maximize the impact of limited resources.
Highlights
Smart agencies don't just investigate fraud once; they build ongoing monitoring systems that focus resources where risk is highest.
This approach works across all government programs, helping agencies understand their actual risk instead of drowning in data.
The untapped power of public records data
Many agencies are surprised by the actionable intelligence that can be gleaned from public records. These data sources provide a comprehensive view of individuals and businesses interacting with government programs. By cross-matching applicant information against multiple data sources, agencies can detect potential identity theft, spot synthetic identities, and flag anomalies that might otherwise go unnoticed.
For example, agencies have identified licensure issues—such as healthcare providers with past disciplinary actions—by running sanction checks and reviewing public records. In another scenario, public records have been used to uncover fake applicants seeking grant money at universities, exposing fraudulent identities and protecting critical funding. Additionally, public records data can help identify unregistered businesses in emerging industries, such as cannabis, by mining online review platforms and social media.
Turning data into action: The role of professional services
Data alone is not enough. The real value emerges when experienced professionals interpret that data and translate it into actionable intelligence. Teams of former government program and technology experts act as a kind of “SWAT team” for agencies—quickly assessing data, identifying problems, and recommending solutions based on years of hands-on experience in fraud detection, policy, and program administration.
Subject matter experts (SMEs) can spot subtle indicators of fraud that automated systems might miss. They help agencies interpret complex reports, prioritize leads, and develop strategies tailored to unique risks. In many engagements, these experts also provide hands-on training, guiding agency staff through best practices and ensuring they know how to use data-driven tools effectively.
Modernization is not just about technology—it’s about empowering people to make smarter, faster decisions using the best available information.
Real-world impact: From one-time projects to ongoing partnerships
Government agencies engage with professional services in a variety of ways. Some projects are one-time “lookbacks,” designed to assess the scope of a problem—such as a surge in fraudulent unemployment claims or suspicious provider activity in Medicaid. These engagements often lead to ongoing partnerships, with agencies opting for regular data reviews and continuous risk monitoring.
For instance, some state agencies use monthly data feeds to vet construction companies bidding on public projects, ensuring that executives have clean records and no outstanding sanctions. In higher education, universities have partnered with experts to identify fake applicants seeking grant money, leading to broader adoption of data-driven fraud prevention.
Best practices: Operationalizing risk management
Agencies don’t need help finding more fraud; they need help prioritizing where to start or identifying their next steps. The most successful agencies don’t stop at one-time interventions. Instead, they operationalize risk management—integrating public records analysis and expert review into their ongoing processes. This means learning to separate signals from noise, focusing limited resources on the areas of greatest risk and potential impact.
Best practices include:
- Regular batch processing of applicant data, with SMEs providing interpretation and recommendations.
- Automated alerts for high-risk individuals or entities, supported by expert analysis to guide follow-up.
- Training and support for agency staff, ensuring that new analysts can leverage data tools and interpret findings confidently.
By modernizing their approach and learning to do more with less, agencies can maximize the value of their data and expertise, making smarter decisions and protecting public funds more efficiently.
The human element: Experience matters
What truly sets professional services apart is the human element. Many experts have backgrounds in state agencies, fraud investigations, or policy development. Their experience enables them to spot issues that only years in the field can reveal. This guidance helps agencies not only detect fraud but also understand underlying schemes and adapt to new threats.
These teams are able to assess data and quickly identify both problems and solutions. Their collective experience, spanning decades across fraud, healthcare, and law enforcement, means clients benefit from a deep well of practical knowledge.
Modernization is about combining advanced data tools with seasoned expertise to build resilient, adaptive defenses.
Delivering value: Insights, not just data
At the end of an engagement, agencies receive more than just a report—they gain a clearer understanding of their risk landscape. Whether the findings reveal a well-controlled environment or expose significant vulnerabilities, the insights empower agencies to make informed decisions, allocate resources effectively, and protect public funds.
Importantly, these services are designed to support—not replace—agency decision-making. Agencies are reminded not to use public records data as the sole basis for benefit determinations, but rather as a way to prioritize deeper investigations. The role of professional services is to point agencies toward these areas of risk, allowing agency experts to make even more rapid eligibility decisions.
Looking ahead: Integrating data and expertise
As fraud schemes evolve and government programs become more complex, the partnership between data and expertise will only grow in importance. By harnessing the full potential of public records and leveraging the wisdom of seasoned professionals, agencies can build resilient defenses against identity fraud—protecting both their programs and the people they serve.
Modernization means learning to do more with less—using smarter tools, sharper insights, and collaborative partnerships to achieve greater impact with limited resources.
Disclaimer
Thomson Reuters is not a consumer reporting agency, and none of its services or the data contained therein constitute a ‘consumer report’ as such term is defined in the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. sec. 1681 et seq. The data provided to you may not be used as a factor in consumer debt collection decisioning, establishing a consumer’s eligibility for credit, insurance, employment, government benefits, or housing, or for any other purpose authorized under the FCRA. By accessing one of our services, you agree not to use the service or data for any purpose authorized under the FCRA or in relation to taking an adverse action relating to a consumer application.
