Florida State University is participating in a global initiative to raise awareness about the impacts of fraud by promoting anti-fraud education during International Fraud Awareness Week, which takes place from Nov. 16-22.
Established by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) in 2000, the week-long campaign explores opportunities for education, support and prevention, encouraging participants to proactively combat future fraud threats.
“Fraud, waste and abuse are threats to the university’s mission,” said Undra Baldwin, FSU’s chief audit officer. “Beyond the immediate financial loss, we face reputational harm and the risk of reduced future funding. Ultimately, all faculty, staff and students at the university suffer as a result of these threats.”
Universities have increasingly become targets for hackers, leaving faculty, staff and students’ information vulnerable to fraudulent activity. International Fraud Awareness Week aims to combat the dangers and consequences of fraud by providing preventive training and offering proactive steps that anyone can take if fraudulent activity is detected.
Florida State University Policy 4-OP-C-13 defines fraud as “a willful or deliberate act or omission with the intention of obtaining an unauthorized benefit, service, property or something of value by deception, misrepresentation or other unethical or unlawful means.”
If you become aware of or suspect fraudulent activity, you should contact the Office of Audit and Advisory Services at (850) 644-6031 or via the Complaint Intake Form. If the suspected fraud is criminal, contact the FSU Police Department at (850) 644-1234.
For more information, visit oaas.fsu.edu.