Discussions about fraud, waste, and abuse in government programs are buzzing across America. As Amanda D’Amico, TrackLight’s Chief Product Officer, points out, the key question is: what’s next? How do we address systemic issues rather than just stopping at quick wins?
“It is important to do that initial scan—that initial assessment of where we have the most waste or abusive government spending happening,” Amanda explains. “Where is the most fraud happening? Rooting out what I’ll call low-hanging fruit is step one.”
Low-Hanging Fruit: The Big Numbers That Tempt Us to Stop There
Stories like the Air Force’s $1,280 soap dispensers or the controversial Monkey Island spending case make headlines because of their sheer audacity. These are prime examples of “low-hanging fruit”—fraud and waste so egregious that they demand immediate attention. The Department of Government Efficiency, as recently announced, is taking aim at cases just like these.
The GAO’s 2023 High-Risk Report also highlights vulnerabilities in government operations, calling for deeper changes beyond headline-grabbing cases. Identifying and addressing such blatant waste is critical, Amanda agrees. “That impact is going to be big,” she says. “We might be tempted to high-five each other and say, ‘Look how much we’ve saved!’ Then pack up our suitcase and go home.”
But what happens if we stop there?
The Danger of Leaving the Job Half-Finished
“If we don’t correct outdated policies and procedures, those same fraudsters will find the holes we’ve left for them to crawl through,” Amanda warns. These vulnerabilities include:
- Outdated policies and procedures that fail to adapt to modern challenges.
- Ineffective technologies that can’t keep pace with evolving threats.
- Weak vetting protocols for individuals and businesses engaging with the government.
Without addressing these systemic issues, Amanda cautions, “history is doomed to repeat itself.”
A Two-Part Approach to Fraud Prevention
Amanda advocates for a two-pronged strategy that combines immediate action with long-term reform:
- Scan and Root Out the Big Cases: Address fraud hotspots, such as the infamous soap dispenser and Monkey Island scandals.
- Programmatic Change: Fix the systemic weaknesses—outdated policies, inadequate technologies, and flawed vetting procedures—that allow fraud to persist.
This approach isn’t about temporary fixes. It’s about creating lasting accountability. “There are so many of us in this business who care deeply about fraud prevention,” Amanda notes. “We’re here to help you understand where the greatest vulnerabilities are and to change those for good.”
What’s Next for Fraud Prevention?
The current wave of attention on fraud, waste, and abuse is a pivotal moment. Amanda’s message to decision-makers: Don’t stop at the low-hanging fruit. Go deeper. Fix the systems that made these failures possible. By taking a two-part approach, we can create a government ecosystem that not only fights fraud but also ensures it doesn’t return.
