Fraud prevention in government programs isn’t just a job—it’s a balancing act. Amanda D’Amico, TrackLight’s Chief Product Officer, has spent her career navigating the complexities of programs that provide critical support to individuals and families in need.
She understands the challenges firsthand:
“How do we get benefits to individuals in need as quickly as possible, as efficiently as possible, while protecting precious government resources and ensuring those benefits go to those truly in need?”
It’s a tightrope walk, but one that’s necessary to maintain the integrity of public programs. Along the way, Amanda has encountered persistent myths and fears about fraud prevention, especially when it comes to adopting modern technology. Let’s break them down:
“AI? Data analytics? What if we get it wrong? What if the system denies help to a family or business in need?”
Amanda acknowledges this concern, but she also sees it as an opportunity for growth. Yes, technology can feel intimidating, but when implemented with care, it enhances—not replaces—the human element. Fraud detection tools powered by AI don’t make decisions in isolation; they augment decision-making with data-driven insights.
Another common refrain Amanda hears is: “Government can’t afford these cutting-edge tools—it’s too costly.”
Her response? “Wrong.” Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions and off-the-shelf technology are designed to be scalable and cost-effective. They can be customized for specific programs without starting from scratch, and they often pay for themselves.
Amanda recalls working in government fraud prevention units that not only covered their costs but also generated a net-positive return by saving funds that would have been lost to fraud. “How many things in government produce a positive profit that way?” she asks.
Amanda highlights a surprising fear she’s encountered: “What if we find too much fraud? Will people lose trust in the system?”
This fear stems from a misconception that uncovering fraud will tarnish a program’s reputation. But Amanda believes the opposite is true. Transparency and accountability build trust, not erode it. As Amanda explains: "Knowing there are programs in place to protect tax dollars and program integrity is what actually brings faith and trust to these systems."
Fraud prevention isn’t just about stopping bad actors—it’s about protecting the lifeline these programs provide to millions of people. By dispelling myths and embracing modern tools, government agencies can operate more efficiently, maintain public trust, and ultimately serve those who need them most.
As Amanda puts it:
“The tone and tenor in America right now is clear: People want transparency. They want integrity in these programs. And that trust comes from knowing we’re protecting taxpayer dollars and serving those in need.”
Fraud prevention isn’t an obstacle—it’s an opportunity. Let’s reframe the conversation, embrace innovation, and build programs that are efficient, transparent, and trustworthy.