Florida State University is joining a global effort to highlight the risks and consequences of fraud by participating in International Fraud Awareness Week, which runs from November 16 to 22.
The initiative, started by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) in 2000, focuses on education, support, and prevention. It encourages organizations and individuals to take steps to address potential threats from fraud.
“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 become more frequent targets for cyberattacks that can expose personal information belonging to faculty, staff, and students. The awareness week seeks to reduce such risks by offering training on how to prevent fraud and outlining actions people can take if they notice suspicious activity.
According to Florida State University Policy 4-OP-C-13, fraud is defined 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.”
Anyone who suspects fraudulent activity at FSU is advised to contact the Office of Audit and Advisory Services at (850) 644-6031 or submit a report through the Complaint Intake Form. If criminal activity is suspected, individuals should reach out to the FSU Police Department at (850) 644-1234.
More information about anti-fraud efforts at FSU can be found at oaas.fsu.edu.
