The Work Number vs ICE Fraud Monitor
Verification & Data head-to-head · axis by axis, same rubric for both
Equifax Inc.
Intercontinental Exchange, through ICE Mortgage Technology
| Axis | The Work Number | ICE Fraud Monitor |
|---|---|---|
| Production impact | 4.1 | 3.1 |
| Functionality & depth | 3.6 | 2.8 |
| Integrations & ecosystem | 4.3 | 3.3 |
| Adoption & support | 3.5 | 3.3 |
| Return on spend | 1.8 | 2.6 |
| Overall | 3.4 | 3.0 |
The Work Number wins 4 of 5 axes. Same rubric, same weights, no sponsorships.
What the rubric says
The Work Number and ICE Fraud Monitor are both scored in Verification & Data. The Work Number carries an overall of 3.4, ICE Fraud Monitor an overall of 3. The widest gap between them is Integrations and ecosystem, at 1 of a point. That axis measures how well it reaches the rest of the stack. The Work Number takes it, 4.3 to 3.3.
Where the five axes separate
On Integrations and ecosystem the record favours The Work Number, 4.3 against 3.3. On Production impact the record favours The Work Number, 4.1 against 3.1. On Functionality and depth the record favours The Work Number, 3.6 against 2.8.
Pricing posture
The Work Number does not publish pricing. Its listed model is quote only, priced per verification. ICE Fraud Monitor does not publish pricing. Its listed model is quote only.
Deployment and who each one targets
Deployment for The Work Number: Cloud, reached by REST API, batch SFTP, web portal or direct LOS integration. Deployment for ICE Fraud Monitor: Cloud, native to Encompass. Segment focus for The Work Number: Any lender that needs instant employment and income data with GSE rep and warrant. Segment focus for ICE Fraud Monitor: Encompass lenders wanting fraud scoring and property risk inside the loan file. The two entries name different buyers.
What each record credits
The Work Number: Authorized for Fannie Mae DU validation and Freddie Mac AIM, so hits bring relief. ICE Fraud Monitor: Runs natively in Encompass with write-back, so cleared conditions update the file.
What each record holds against them
The Work Number: Highest per-verification cost in the category; a class action alleges $17.85 rose to $66.45. ICE Fraud Monitor: Launched 1 June 2026, so no independent evidence on detection quality exists.
Which one fits which shop
Best fit for The Work Number: Lenders who need the highest instant hit rate and have decided to pay. Best fit for ICE Fraud Monitor: Encompass shops paying a separate fraud vendor and asking underwriters to work in two.
The short answer
The Work Number finishes ahead on the published rubric, 3.4 to 3. The margin comes mostly from Integrations and ecosystem. Same rubric, same weights, no sponsorships.
Both tools are scored on the same weighted rubric, production impact carries the most weight. Comparisons are never sponsored. Disclosure →