State Auditor Rob Sand is spearheading efforts to spotlight fraud and the improper use of tax funds during International Fraud Awareness Week in collaboration with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and the ACFE Des Moines Chapter. Sand says, “The vast majority of Iowa’s state, county, and municipal employees are honest, hard-working people. Unfortunately, some take advantage of a lack of policies and procedures in the workplace that would otherwise prevent the theft of public funds and resources.” Since assuming office in 2019, Sand’s team has unveiled an average of $583,000 per month in fraudulent activity and tax fund misuse. The median loss per incident exceeded $42,000, with over 20 percent of cases seeing losses exceeding $100,000. The primary types of fraud identified include theft and skimming, procurement fraud, fraudulent expenditure claims, and payroll fraud. “It’s far simpler to prevent fraud than to recover stolen funds afterward,” Sand says, underscoring the critical importance of fostering an anti-fraud and anti-corruption culture within organizations and government entities. As Iowa’s leading advocate for taxpayers, Sand urges all residents to be vigilant against fraud in their workplaces and communities. To report the misuse of public funds or resources, individuals can contact info@aos.iowa.gov or call 515-281-5834.
