Glossary: Risk, Fraud and Evidence Terms

Purpose of this glossary #

This glossary explains common verification, compliance, fraud prevention and evidence terms in plain language. It is written for public education and onboarding, not for legal interpretation.

Risk and fraud terms #

Risk signal

An indicator that may suggest higher risk and may require review, but is not proof of wrongdoing.

False positive

A result or signal that appears risky but is later found not to be a true problem.

Identity fraud

Misuse or misrepresentation of identity information to gain access, money, employment, services or other value.

Synthetic identity

An identity constructed from a mixture of real and false information.

Ghost employee

A person or record incorrectly receiving payroll or workforce benefits without legitimate employment status.

Credential fraud

Misrepresentation of qualifications, licences, memberships, work history or professional status.

Evidence and decision terms #

Manual review

Human assessment of an exception, conflict, partial result or high-risk case.

Exception

A case that does not follow the normal workflow and requires approval, escalation or review.

Decision note

A written explanation of how the verification result informed the final action taken.

Dispute

A challenge raised by a person or organisation about the accuracy or interpretation of a result.

Public knowledge note: This article is intended as general education for verification, compliance, fraud prevention and responsible data-use discussions. It is not legal advice and should not replace your organisation’s own compliance review, regulator guidance, or contractual obligations.