Fraud

Fraud is a deliberate deception practiced so as to secure unfair or unlawful gain. These intentional acts are detrimental to the interests 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. Fraud may also result from deliberate attempts to conceal prior errors.

Four elements are common in most cases of fraud:

• Loss, or other unauthorized uses of 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 are:

• Falsifying salary, employment or dependent information
• Personal purchases on the University credit card
• Theft of cash, credit cards or other University assets
• Theft of personal information
• Misrepresentation of financial information on admission, financial aid or grant applications
• Failure to report conflicts of interest
• Unauthorized acceptance of funds
• Unauthorized or otherwise inappropriate dealings with current or potential vendors/contractors
• Misrepresentation or intentional misuse of University resources

What to do if you suspect fraud:

• Contact your department manager or division Vice President
• Call the University Ethics hotline