Prosecutors say they are also working more closely with banking regulators and other agencies to spot possible fraud earlier.

For the first time we are able to spot fraud as it unfolds from behind our desktop computers.

Mark R. Stone, chief executive of Narus, said that since many telecommunications companies already use products for billing and spotting fraud, monitoring ability would be "just additional functionality on the existing platform."

Take the Fireman's Fund Insurance Company, which in 1999 started seeking a way to spot fraud without always having to rely on its staff to pick up on suspicious activity.

Stay informed with the FTC [en español] Provides tips on how to spot, stop, and avoid fraud.

Learn more about protecting yourself and spotting fraud at StopMedicareFraud.gov or by visiting the local Senior Medicare Patrol office in your area.

The S.E.C. has supplied a list of 28 warning signs that a market maker could use to spot fraud at a company.

Electronic returns, these supporters say, can be more thoroughly analyzed, making it easier to spot fraud.

A third proposal, which is less controversial, calls for changes in corporate governance and lines of reporting to make it easier to spot and address fraud.

But Federal officials said patients were often in the best position to spot fraud and abuse.