10:00am - 10:45am
Texas C, Level 3
Omnichannel retail has evolved faster than the tools designed to protect it. Offenders now move effortlessly between store and digital channels, exploiting the blind spots created by disconnected systems and siloed LP and fraud teams. In this session, industry leader John Matas introduces Unified Loss Orchestration — a practical operating model retailers can adopt themselves to finally see loss the way offenders do: across channels, not within them. Attendees will learn how to enrich in store transactions using the unused data points hidden in their online “digital exhaust,” creating a unified lens that strengthens investigations, connects the dots between commerce channels, and adds meaningful analytical firepower to the systems they already own.
2:45pm - 3:30pm
Texas D, Level 3
As retailers rethink how they measure and manage loss, a shift is underway - repositioning exception-based reporting traditionally focused on chasing bad guys, to an organizational resource delivering capital optimization. This session explores how Total Retail Loss transforms traditionally reactive AP data into an enterprise resource, placing high‑confidence insights into the hands of merchants, operators, finance, and store teams who can act early and make the greatest impact. Grocery represents the ultimate proving ground for this approach. With razor‑thin margins, complex operations, and constant cost pressure, it forces clarity where capital is truly at risk and where it delivers value. Attendees will walk away with a practical framework for repositioning Total Retail Loss strategies and exception-based reporting into strategic investments, aligning Asset Protection decisions to the broader initiatives of finance, operations, and the C-suite.
Texas C, Level 3
Fraud‑prevention strategies have traditionally been siloed — separated by inconsistent data access, differing mitigation methods and unclear ownership across teams. Because fraud manifests differently across business channels, many organizations struggle to build a unified, enterprise‑wide approach. In this session, you’ll learn how one of the largest and most complex retailers in the world is creating a business‑aligned fusion center to transform its fraud strategy. You’ll see how they are connecting disparate data sources, aligning teams and leveraging AI‑powered analytics to uncover gaps, strengthen link analysis and integrate fraud detection across the organization. Practical examples — including data visualizations, analytical maps, frameworks and tools — will bring this approach to life for retailers of all sizes.
3:45pm - 4:30pm
Texas C, Level 3
Retailers are facing an alarming surge in phone‑based scams, fueled by increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics and the expanding reach of organized retail crime. Recent industry data shows that 70% of retailers experienced rising phone scams in the past year, marking one of the sharpest increases across all fraud categories. This session examines how criminals are exploiting phone‑based impersonation, AI‑generated voice technology and caller ID spoofing to deceive both customers and front-line retail employees. Panelists will also explore how phone scams act as gateways to broader fraud, including account takeovers, fraudulent returns, BOPIS exploitation and coordinated ORC activity targeting store teams. Attendees will leave with actionable insights into how retailers can strengthen defenses through cross‑functional fraud and AP collaboration, improved call verification processes, employee training and emerging AI‑based authentication technologies.
9:00am - 9:45am
Texas D, Level 3
Return fraud has become one of retail’s fastest‑growing sources of loss — and one of the hardest to measure. In this 45‑minute panel, leading retail experts unpack the latest data on return fraud trends, the most common abuse patterns and why traditional loss prevention approaches often miss the full picture. Panelists will explore the internal challenges LP teams face, including measuring fraud at scale, clarifying ownership and aligning across departments. The discussion will highlight proven tactics for early detection, behavioral risk assessment and AI‑powered prevention methods. Attendees will leave with practical, actionable strategies to better identify fraudulent returns, protect loyal customers and strengthen their LP framework.