Close
  • Latest News
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
Read Down
Sign in
Close
Welcome!Log into your account
Forgot your password?
Read Down
Password recovery
Recover your password
Close
Search
Logo
Logo
  • Latest News
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
More
    Home Applications
    • Applications

    USDA Taps SAS Analytics to Fight Food Stamp Fraud

    By
    Darryl K. Taft
    -
    August 7, 2015
    Share
    Facebook
    Twitter
    Linkedin
      food stamp fraud

      SAS, a major business intelligence and analytics software provider, announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is using SAS analytics to root out fraud among its $74 billion food stamp program.

      More specifically, the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is using SAS predictive analytics to fight fraud in its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

      The SNAP program assists more than 46 million Americans. Despite the percentage of fraudsters being small, annual losses can still reach as high as $750 million by some estimates. Enter SAS with its analytics software, which helps spotlight suspicious behavior by benefits recipients.

      “SNAP fraud rates are remarkably low—barely over one percent,” said Karen Terrell, vice president of SAS Federal, in a statement. “Use of this cutting-edge technology demonstrates USDA’s zero-tolerance policy when it comes to misuse of these vital benefits that help needy Americans put food on the table.”

      FNS is using SAS software to detect suspicious behaviors that indicate a beneficiary may be illegally selling SNAP benefits for cash—a scam known as SNAP trafficking. State agencies can then flag those individuals for further investigation.

      Predictive analytics goes beyond mere statistics and reports on past activity to provide the best assessment of what is likely to happen in the future. For example, the system might analyze a series of claims for lost electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards tied to the same address or neighborhood. Investigators would then be alerted to direct their attention to clients who may be selling their benefits at an area store and can focus on whether these beneficiaries are illegally redeeming their EBT cards for cash.

      Moreover, FNS is exploring use of SAS predictive analytics as part of a business-process re-engineering test under way in several states. FNS will develop an assessment of the SNAP activity in each state and apply the SAS predictive modeling technology to analyze recipient behavior to uncover suspicious activity, SAS officials said.

      This process combines data, statistical algorithms and machine-learning techniques to predict the likelihood of future outcomes, such as fraud, based on historical data. This enables states to quickly identify and take enforcement action against those suspected of SNAP trafficking.

      “Over the years, FNS has developed best practices for using technology and analytics to combat fraud, waste and abuse in its program,” said Terrell. “With this project, FNS is taking a strong leadership role, using what they’ve learned to help the states go after bad actors. This initiative is a model for the states and other federal benefit programs to root out fraud and improve program integrity.”

      SAS has provided analytics solutions for the federal government for nearly four decades. Its software is used throughout the federal workplace, including civilian agencies, the Department of Defense and the intelligence community.

      Of the company’s approximate $3 billion in 2014 revenue, 15 percent came from government. Government is SAS’ second largest industry segment, with banking the largest with 26 percent of SAS sales.

      Darryl K. Taft
      Darryl K. Taft covers the development tools and developer-related issues beat from his office in Baltimore. He has more than 10 years of experience in the business and is always looking for the next scoop. Taft is a member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and was named 'one of the most active middleware reporters in the world' by The Middleware Co. He also has his own card in the 'Who's Who in Enterprise Java' deck.

      MOST POPULAR ARTICLES

      Android

      Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro: Durability for Tough...

      Chris Preimesberger - December 5, 2020 0
      Have you ever dropped your phone, winced and felt the pain as it hit the sidewalk? Either the screen splintered like a windshield being...
      Read more
      Cybersecurity

      Visa’s Michael Jabbara on Cybersecurity and Digital...

      James Maguire - May 17, 2022 0
      I spoke with Michael Jabbara, VP and Global Head of Fraud Services at Visa, about the cybersecurity technology used to ensure the safe transfer...
      Read more
      Cloud

      Why Data Security Will Face Even Harsher...

      Chris Preimesberger - December 1, 2020 0
      Who would know more about details of the hacking process than an actual former career hacker? And who wants to understand all they can...
      Read more
      Cloud

      Yotascale CEO Asim Razzaq on Controlling Multicloud...

      James Maguire - May 5, 2022 0
      Asim Razzaq, CEO of Yotascale, provides guidance on understanding—and containing—the complex cost structure of multicloud computing. Among the topics we covered:  As you survey the...
      Read more
      Big Data and Analytics

      GoodData CEO Roman Stanek on Business Intelligence...

      James Maguire - May 4, 2022 0
      I spoke with Roman Stanek, CEO of GoodData, about business intelligence, data as a service, and the frustration that many executives have with data...
      Read more
      Logo

      eWeek has the latest technology news and analysis, buying guides, and product reviews for IT professionals and technology buyers. The site’s focus is on innovative solutions and covering in-depth technical content. eWeek stays on the cutting edge of technology news and IT trends through interviews and expert analysis. Gain insight from top innovators and thought leaders in the fields of IT, business, enterprise software, startups, and more.

      Facebook
      Linkedin
      RSS
      Twitter
      Youtube

      Advertisers

      Advertise with TechnologyAdvice on eWeek and our other IT-focused platforms.

      Advertise with Us

      Menu

      • About eWeek
      • Subscribe to our Newsletter
      • Latest News

      Our Brands

      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms
      • About
      • Contact
      • Advertise
      • Sitemap
      • California – Do Not Sell My Information

      Property of TechnologyAdvice.
      © 2021 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

      Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.

      ×