What is Fraud?

"...any intentional act or omission designed to deceive others and resulting in the victim suffering a loss and/or the perpetrator achieving a gain."

"The use of one's occupation for personal enrichment through the deliberate misuse or misapplication of the employing organization's resources or assets."

Source:  Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)

 

The Fraud Triangle



The fraud triangle is a model that outlines three elements present when a person decides to commit a fraudulent act; rationalization, incentive, and opportunity. The “opportunity” element refers to a set of circumstances that make it possible for fraud to occur. This is the one element where departments can have an impact in safeguarding University assets by implementing good internal controls practices.

Any employee suspecting fraud or other improprieties involving University resources must inform their supervisor or the campus Locally Designated Officer (LDO). See UCSB Whistleblower Resources for more information.