CASE STUDY

How we saved a consumer brand $1.5M in fraud losses

Beer, Wine & Spirits Rebates

Published August 18, 2025

Objective

The primary objective was to execute a high-value national rebate program for a major beverage brand while maintaining total program integrity. We were tasked with establishing a secure environment that could facilitate high volumes of legitimate consumer submissions while aggressively preventing fraudulent activity.

The client's primary objectives were to:

  • Protect Program Integrity: Ensure that high-value rebate funds reached only legitimate consumers.
  • Mitigate Fraudulent Submissions: Identify and block sophisticated fraud attempts and organized submission rings.
  • Streamline Verification: Reduce the manual review burden by implementing automated screening for bulk submissions.
  • Maintain Consumer Access: Balance strict security measures with a user-friendly experience for valid participants.

The Arrowhead Approach

We deployed a comprehensive, multi-tiered fraud prevention framework that synchronized automated intelligence with human expertise. By utilizing a proprietary detection algorithm alongside consumer verification protocols like two-factor authentication (2FA), we were able to filter out high-risk activity in real-time. Our team monitored for suspicious patterns—such as illogical purchase data or recurring submission signatures—to isolate and neutralize organized fraud threats before they could impact the program’s budget.

1

Tiered Validation Framework

Established a hybrid screening process combining rapid automated checks with detailed human oversight.

2

Proprietary Algorithm Deployment

Implemented custom fraud detection logic to recognize and flag irregular submission patterns.

3

Enhanced Consumer Verification

Introduced two-factor authentication (2FA) to validate the identity of every participant.

4

Manual Review Protocol

Deployed a dedicated fraud team to conduct deep-dive investigations into suspicious data, such as identifying anomalies in retail purchase history.

Results

Our strategic intervention led to the detection of a sophisticated fraud ring operating with a 99% fraudulent submission rate. By implementing advanced authentication and pattern recognition, we reduced thousands of suspicious entries down to a manageable >1,000 cases (3% of the total) for final review. This proactive stance successfully protected the program’s integrity and prevented significant financial leakage while ensuring that legitimate consumers received their rebates without delay.

$1.5M
In Losses Prevented
80%+
Reduction in Fraud Post-2FA Implementation

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