Making a Report
Reporting Suspected Fraud, Waste and Abuse
The University will not tolerate fraud, theft, waste or abuse of State or University property or resources. Upon discovery of information or circumstances suggesting fraud or misuse of University property or funds, the individual should report the information to the Chief Audit Executive or the Office of State Inspector General Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline by phone at 1-800-723-1615. To avoid conflict, employees are discouraged from personally conducting investigations or interviews. Self-investigating may also compromise the investigation.
Concerns related to employee’s moral, ethics or behavior should be referred to the University Human Resource Department or the State Department of Human Resource Management. If unsure whether or not actions are considered as fraud or whom to contact, the employee should contact Internal Audit for guidance.
All reported allegations will be fully reviewed, and substantiated activities will be communicated to the University President, Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee and General Counsel. In accordance to Code of Virginia § 30-138 circumstances suggesting the reasonable possibility of fraud will be report to the Auditor of Public Accounts, Office of the State Inspector General, and Virginia State Police.
The State Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline Policies and Procedures Manual defines Fraud, Waste and Abuse as:
Fraud: “The intentional deception perpetrated by an individual or individuals, or an organization or organizations, either internal or external to state government, which could result in a tangible or intangible benefit to themselves, others, or the Commonwealth or could cause detriment to others or the Commonwealth. Fraud includes a false representation of a matter of fact, whether by words or by conduct, by false or misleading statements, or by concealment of that which should have been disclosed, which deceives and is intended to deceive.”
Waste: “the intentional or unintentional, thoughtless or careless expenditure, consumption, mismanagement, use, or squandering of resources, to the detriment or potential detriment of the University. Waste also includes incurring unnecessary costs as a result of inefficient or ineffective practices, systems, or controls.”
Abuse: Abuse involves behavior that is deficient or improper when compared with behavior that a prudent person would consider reasonable and necessary business practice given the facts and circumstances. Abuse also includes misuse of authority or position for personal financial interests or those of an immediate or close family member or business associate. Abuse can occur in financial or nonfinancial settings and does not necessarily involve fraud, violation of laws, regulations, or provisions of a contract or grant agreement. Examples may include excessive charges, improper billing practices, or payment for unnecessary services
Additional information on the State Fraud, Waste and Abuse hotline can be found on the Office of State Inspector General website http://osig.virginia.gov/.