Fraud is defined as a deliberate deception practiced so as to secure unfair or unlawful gain1. This intentional misstatement or omission of information is detrimental to the interest of the University. Fraud may include embezzlement or the falsification of records which results in personal enrichment through the misuse of the University’s resources or assets.
Four elements are common in most instances of fraud:
- Loss of the University assets, revenue or reserves
- Violates the University Code of Conduct
- Results in the direct or indirect benefit to the individual(s)
- Is clandestine.
Prevention and detection of fraud is the responsibility of everyone. While not all inclusive, common examples of fraud include the following:
- Falsifying salary, employment or dependent information
- Personal purchases on the University corporate credit card
- Theft of cash or credit cards
- Theft of personal information
- Misrepresentation of financial information on admission, financial aid or grant applications
- Failure to report conflicts of interest or conflict of commitment
- Unauthorized acceptance of funds.
What to do if you suspect fraud:
1Webster's II New College Dictionary
- Contact your unit manager (the unit manager is to take no action before consulting with the Internal Audit Department)
- If the suspected fraud is financial in nature, contact the Internal Audit Department or use the Ethicspoint hotline
- If the suspected fraud is not financial in nature, use the Ethicspoint hotline (1-800-236-7522).