Fraud is a serious problem that can affect anyone — costing billions of dollars in financial and reputational damage to organizations and individuals each year.  

The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, which is the world’s largest anti-fraud organization, reports that fraud costs organizations worldwide an estimated five per cent of their annual revenues. An analysis of 2,110 occupational fraud cases found that fraud caused a total loss of more than $3.6 billion. 

Recognizing the seriousness of the global fraud issue, Brock University is participating in International Fraud Awareness Week, Sunday, Nov. 13 to Saturday, Nov. 19, by promoting anti-fraud awareness and sharing educational resources.  

“It’s important for both organizations and individuals to be vigilant and alert for signs of fraud,” said Lizette Norio, Brock’s Senior Manager, Internal Audit. “I encourage everyone to learn more about fraud and what to do when fraudulent activity is suspected so they can protect themselves and their employer.”

Generally, the term fraud encompasses actions that are meant to deceive for financial or personal gain. Occupational fraud is committed by people who work for, or do business with, an organization. Examples of occupational fraud include stealing cash or assets, misreporting financial statements, inflating expense reimbursements, and receiving payments for goods or services not received or hours not worked.

Brock’s Internal Audit Services Fraud Week web page offers additional information on fraud awareness through educational videos and slide decks. Topics include an explanation of what fraud is, examples of fraud schemes, why people commit fraud, the relationship between identity theft and fraud, and how seniors can become fraud fighters. There is also a game called ‘Jeoparty!’ to test one’s knowledge. Everyone is encouraged to view the materials and share the links with family and friends.  

Anyone suspecting inappropriate activity at Brock, including fraudulent actions, are encouraged to disclose it in accordance with the Safe Disclosure Policy and Procedures, which apply to all University employees, students, volunteers, contractors and suppliers.

Whenever possible, disclosures should be made directly to the unit responsible for the area of concern. Additional disclosure avenues include Brock University’s Legal Counsel, Campus Security Services, Human Rights and Equity, Human Resources and Internal Audit Services.

People uncomfortable disclosing directly can use an anonymous website or 24-7 toll-free hotline, 1-855-484-CARE (2273), offered through the Grant Thornton CARE service, which is a third-party consultant independent from University administration. Upon logging into the CARE system, disclosures receive an access code to a secure portal, which lets the University respond without compromising anonymity.

Regardless of the method used, disclosures reported are reviewed by the University’s internal Disclosure Review Team that assesses whether there are reasonable grounds to investigate and whether there is any reason to believe the disclosure is not made in good faith. If the disclosure is determined to have reasonable grounds and to have been made in good faith, the disclosure will either be referred to the appropriate policy owner for investigation pursuant to the applicable policy or referred to Internal Audit Services for investigation if there is no applicable policy. 

The Safe Disclosure Policy also makes a priority of protecting from reprisal anyone who makes a good faith disclosure — in other words, a report of suspected improper activity that is “based on reasonable belief and is not malicious, frivolous or vexatious.”

For more information on safe disclosure at Brock and the Grant Thornton CARE services, visit the University Secretariat website or email internalaudit@brocku.ca

Anti-fraud awareness educational resources are available on Internal Audit Services’ Fraud Week web page.