Fraud Detection Using Machine Learning and Rule-Based Classifiers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Information technology networks face challenges in authenticating parties involved in transactions, leading to potential fraudulent activities that are difficult to detect and prevent.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a combination of machine learning and rule-based classifiers to assess financial transactions by analyzing clickstream data and other features, providing a fraud prediction to determine whether a transaction is legitimate or fraudulent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional authentication methods are used for transactions, then authentication simplicity is maintained, but fraud detection accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefraud detection accuracyVSAvoidauthentication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple classification approaches (machine learning classifier and rule-based classifier) into a unified fraud detection system. The machine learning classifier processes transaction features and clickstream data to generate fraud indicators, which are then combined with rule-based classification results to produce a comprehensive fraud prediction, thereby improving detection accuracy through integration of multiple analytical methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces clickstream data as an additional dimension for fraud detection. By analyzing user interaction patterns, navigation behavior, and session characteristics beyond traditional transaction features, the system gains new informational dimensions that enhance fraud detection capability without relying solely on conventional authentication methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If multiple classification methods are used to improve fraud detection, then fraud prediction accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefraud prediction reliabilityVSAvoidclassification system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the fraud detection process into distinct functional components: a machine learning classifier that processes transaction features and clickstream data to generate fraud indicators, and a rule-based classifier that applies predefined fraud detection rules. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific detection tasks, improving overall reliability while managing complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces fraud indicators as an intermediary representation between the machine learning classifier and the rule-based classifier. The machine learning classifier generates these indicators based on processed features, which then serve as inputs for the rule-based classification layer, enabling systematic integration of multiple classification methods while maintaining clear data flow and processing stages

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive transaction features are collected for analysis, then fraud detection capability is improved, but data processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefraud detection precisionVSAvoidtransaction processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary processing of transaction features and clickstream data before they reach the classification stage. Features are extracted, transformed, and organized in advance, and clickstream data is pre-processed to identify relevant user behavior patterns. This preliminary action reduces the computational burden during real-time fraud detection, maintaining high precision while minimizing processing time loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12229777B1Method and system for detecting fraudulent transactions in information technology networks
Publication Date: 2025.02.18 INTUIT INC
  • US12229777B1 patent drawing
  • US12229777B1 patent drawing
  • US12229777B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for detecting fraudulent financial transactions in information technology networks involves obtaining a multitude of features associated with a financial transaction conducted over an information technology network by an unknown transaction party. The multitude of features includes clickstream data obtained from the unknown transaction party. The clickstream data is associated with data of the financial transaction being entered by the unknown transaction party. The method further involves obtaining a first fraud indicator using a machine learning classifier operating on the multitude of features, obtaining a second fraud indicator using a rule-based classifier operating on the multitude of features, obtaining a fraud prediction for the financial transaction, using the first fraud indicator and the second fraud indicator, and taking an action, in response to the fraud prediction.