The Audit Connection Blog
Does your government use electronic disbursements? SAO offers tips and resources for evaluating your cyber fraud risks
The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in increased dependence on technology and electronic payment networks. This shift has created new opportunities for bad actors to steal public resources and assets from your government. ... CONTINUE READING
Fraud features: A list of movies, television series and podcasts to help you see fraud from all angles
While we may never be true experts in all aspects of fraud, we can work to better understand it. That’s why to round out the 2022 International Fraud Awareness Week, the Office of the Washington State Auditor has put together a list of our favorite movies, documentaries, shows and podcasts to help you understand the many complex sides and angles of fraud. ... CONTINUE READING
Strategies for identifying and combatting time theft in remote work environments
The COVID-19 pandemic required governments and other organizations to adjust their operating structure to a remote environment. For many, this structure became the new norm, and governments continue to operate remotely or in hybrid formats. ... CONTINUE READING
What’s new with SAO’s fraud program
The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) recently reported that nearly a third of all fraud cases occur because of a lack of internal controls. When your government has anti-fraud controls in place, you not only increase your ability to detect fraud quicker, but also decrease potential losses resulting from fraud. ... CONTINUE READING
Better use of data, accountability in homelessness efforts, audit recommends
Local governments should be more data-driven and focused on results when addressing homelessness, according to a new performance audit by the Office of the Washington State Auditor. ... CONTINUE READING
Setting the tone at the top: SAO’s new fraud-prevention resource for elected officials and members of appointed boards
While preventing employee fraud is an organization-wide effort in your government, creating a fraud-prevention culture starts at the top with elected officials and members of appointed boards. That’s why SAO’s Special Investigations Team has developed a guide for these leaders to help them better understand their role in fighting employee fraud in their governments. ... CONTINUE READING
A sneak peek at what SAO has in store for International Fraud Awareness Week
While SAO is always promoting awareness around preventing, detecting and deterring fraud, we’re ramping up our efforts next week in honor of International Fraud Awareness Week, which kicks of Nov. 13. Here's a sneak peek of what we have in store. ... CONTINUE READING
Do you have a tip hotline? Here are reasons to consider implementing one
A tip hotline offers an anonymous way for people to report concerns via phone, mail or internet about suspected fraud, waste or abuse, policy or law violations, and questionable accounting practices. If you are interested in starting a hotline, you can find additional help and information in SAO’s resource Making it Easy to Report Concerns. ... CONTINUE READING
State has made progress in testing sexual assault kits, but backlog remains, audit shows
Washington has followed best practices in speeding the testing of sexual assault kits and has implemented a kit tracking system, a new performance audit by the Office of the Washington State Auditor found. However, a backlog of untested kits remains. ... CONTINUE READING
Do you have employees working remotely? Help them protect your government’s data
Working from home has many benefits, but it also brings additional risks because remote workers are more vulnerable to cybercrime than those who work in the office. SAO shares tips to help work-from-home employees keep households safe and secure from cyber threats. ... CONTINUE READING