It may seem like a coincidence, but the fact that two of the leading technology vendors with solutions to help insurance carriers fight fraud released new versions of their solutions within days of each other last month seems more like a sign that insurers are pushing for more ways to keep from throwing money away to thieves and cheats.

The need for better tools in the fight against fraud is never ending. The only thing you have to admire about those who commit insurance fraud is their commitment to their work. They constantly seek new angles to beat the insurance industry, which is why carriers can never afford to relax or believe they have the upper hand on the criminals.

The development of better software to fight fraud is needed because of the variety of crimes that impact all lines of business. Fly-by-night construction companies ripping off homeowners—and insurers—trying to recover from a devastating natural disaster may not have much to do with workers' comp cheats or personal auto injury scams, but these widespread activities are why the work of special investigation units is spread so thin.