Only a unique set of signals from phone sensors could have captured the high-risk mountainous region Nadia originally identified. Other areas that are likely to have human trafficking fraud centres may be more difficult to detect with sensor data alone. That is where location intelligence provides an additional layer of insight.

Using technology from LexisNexis® Risk Solutions, is it possible to compare the geolocation of a device to the local geography and compute how far a transaction is from country borders where human trafficking fraud centres are likely to be located.

Based on nearly 7,000 mule transactions from the top five countries in terms of mule risk in a Southeast Asian bank, LexisNexis® Risk Solutions identified a clear pattern: transactions near to borders were at a higher risk of being mules. In other words, there was a clear fraud signal if a transaction in this region was close to a country border.

The graph below shows the volume of confirmed mules in locations with a high transaction volume, such as the capitals of Cambodia and Thailand, compared with the volume of confirmed mules near several border locations.

A three-prong approach to tackling money mules

Behavioural biometrics provided valuable intelligence in helping to identify the online scam centre in the mountainous area between Myanmar and Thailand. But it is only one component in fighting fraud. Compiling a more robust picture of risk requires a more comprehensive approach from multiple fronts.  Not only are online and mobile fraud growing globally, but the increasing sophistication of criminal enterprises, clandestine nature of mule operations and challenges sharing cross-border intelligence between public and private organisations, add to the complexity of identifying money mules.

To build the strongest offensive for detecting and blocking money mule activity, organisations should look for solutions that:

Leverage data sharing: The LexisNexis® Digital Identity Network® platform helps harnesses global shared intelligence from nearly three billion monthly transactions. It links digital, physical, and behavioural insight to differentiate genuine, trusted users from fraudsters and bots. Consortium, a peer-based initiative, complements the crowd-sourced intelligence from Digital Identity Network®, empowering organisations to collectively fight fraud.

Mine intelligence: The use of data analysis, machine learning and rule modeling enable granular details of behaviour to emerge. LexisNexis® Risk Solutions analyses these unique behavioural attributes to identify patterns and anomalies that are indicative of fraud, providing organisations with the intelligence needed to make accurate and timely decisions.

Offer customisation: While every organisation wants to detect and prevent money mule activity, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Working with knowledgeable professionals who know how to tailor a solution to fit a particular environment can make the difference between stopping fraud or letting it slip through the cracks.

Fraudsters are banding together into global criminal networks with sophisticated techniques that help them avoid detection. To tackle the increasing complexity and constantly changing landscape of fraud threats, it is essential to have cutting edge data-driven solutions.

LexisNexis® Risk Solutions not only provides organisations with a comprehensive and diverse set of data – including location, device, and behavioural biometrics intelligence – but offers an expert professional services team who can identify and mitigate the unique fraud threats your organisation faces.