Detecting Prepaid Card Fraud: A Multi-Layered Approach
In this deep dive, Scott Zoldi explains how innovations in machine learning and self-calibrating models are finding more fraud and reducing false positives
Scott Zoldi
Dr. Scott Zoldi is chief analytics officer at FICO, responsible for artificial intelligence (AI) and analytic innovation across FICO's product and technology solutions. Dr. Scott Zoldi has been listed as an inventor on 100+ patents, in collaboration with other data and analytic scientists, and he is also named on an additional 45+ patent applications in process. Scott is an industry leader in the responsible use of AI, Generative AI (GenAI), and Agentic AI, as well as an outspoken proponent of AI governance and regulation. His groundbreaking work in focused language models (FLMs) for GenAI and a patented use of blockchain technology for AI model development governance has helped propel Scott to AI visionary status. His recent awards include Constellation Research Award AI150, Tech Leadership Award from Banking Tech Awards, Tech Influencer Highly Commendable Award from DataIQ Data & AI Awards, San Diego Business Journal - Leaders of Influence in Technology (2025); Tech Leadership - Software & Services Provider from Fintech Futures, MachineCon AI100 Award, Innovator Award from American Banker (2024); Global Finance Innovator Award (FICO) (2023); and Corinium Future Thinking Award (2022). An enthusiastic member of the southern California tech community, Scott serves on the Boards of Directors of Software San Diego and the San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence. He received his Ph.D. degree in theoretical and computational physics from Duke University, and his work has been published in The Harvard Business Review and numerous scientific journals.
When not at his office or on a plane, Scott can often be found in his Ford Bronco, exploring the desert around San Diego with his family. To hear more of his views follow Scott on LinkedIn and BlueSky @ScottZoldi.
When not at his office or on a plane, Scott can often be found in his Ford Bronco, exploring the desert around San Diego with his family. To hear more of his views follow Scott on LinkedIn and BlueSky @ScottZoldi.
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VIDEO: The REAL Problems with AI – My Talk with Kate Crawford
Data bias and untrained data scientists pose risks to AI models - and the trust we place in business decisions
FICO Fights Prepaid Card Fraud with AI and Machine Learning
Collaborative Profiling is one of the advanced techniques in our fraud models for prepaid card fraud
How Big Is the Rideshare Fraud Problem?
New FICO data shows high rate of card fraud as criminals hitch a ride on Uber and Lyft
AI Predictions 2020: Artificial Intelligence Grows Up
Artificial Intelligence is encountering new demands in the areas of responsibility, advocacy and regulation.
UK Fraud Trends: Improving Detection Under PSD2
Credit cards appear to be the main target of fraud, with an average fraud rate 1.5 times that of debit cards
Detecting More CNP Card Fraud
FICO analytics can identify more low-value card fraud, an important next step in stopping criminals
Bank of England Validates Need for Explainable AI
The BoE's new report says explainable AI is necessary for machine learning to be applied in credit management
New Machine Learning Models Catch CNP Fraud Faster
As CNP fraud targets the online growth in luxury spending, new analytics improve the velocity of detection
Ask Me Anything on AI: Highlights of My First Reddit AMA
“I’m Scott Zoldi and I’ve authored 95 patents on AI, machine learning and various analytic techniques. I’m Chief Analytics Officer of FICO. Ask me Anything.*
Deep Dive: How to Make "Black Box" Neural Networks Explainable
Neural networks are a powerful form of machine learning, but their black box nature often defies explainability. We have found a solution to this problem.
Analytics Predictions 2019: Innovations for Ethical AI
My recent patent work has laid a foundation for what I predict will be the tech industry’s biggest development in 2019: ethical AI.
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