Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we have a fraud reporting program?
Best business practices support that a fraud reporting program is an integral part of a good business environment. The University has financial and operating controls in place to provide reasonable assurance that fraudulent, illegal or dishonest activity by employees, officers, business contacts or others is prevented or detected. However, management recognizes the potential for inappropriate activities and behavior still exists within the University, as it does in any organization. To ensure our controls are effective, management is establishing this Fraud Reporting Program to provide a mechanism for individuals to report improper or inappropriate activities not identified by existing controls.

Who is responsible for administering the program?
The Internal Audit Office is responsible for the administration of the Fraud Reporting Program. Any questions regarding the Program can be addressed by calling the Internal Audit Office at 765-494-7588, emailing Peggy Fish at plfish@purdue.edu , or by sending a letter to Purdue University Internal Audit Office, Freehafer Hall of Administrative Services, 401 S. Grant Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2024.

When should you use the program?
There may be times when employees, students or other University contacts suspect or become aware of questionable acts concerning the University. Reportable activities include, but are not limited to: theft, embezzlement, improper reporting of time (e.g., timecard, exception leave reporting), payments, misuse or questionable use of cash, diversion of or lack of timely deposit of University revenues, credit card fraud, inappropriate communication of confidential information (e.g., pay, social security number, other protected personal or financial information), and any other illegal or questionable acts.

The Program is not designed to monitor personnel issues, which should be addressed through departmental management, Human Resources or Human Relations.

How will individuals reporting suspicious acts or behavior be treated?
All matters related to your report will be handled with discretion. Reporting can be done anonymously. However, whether reporting individuals prefer to be anonymous or not, they will not suffer any recrimination as a result of coming forward with their concerns. The Program is fully supported by management and has been established to provide a mechanism to report suspected inappropriate activities. We want you to feel confident about using the program.

How do you report inappropriate actions?
There are multiple means by which reports may be made. Internal Audit will monitor a dedicated fraud reporting telephone number. Information may also be mailed to the Internal Audit Office. A form, Disclosure Form for Anonymous Reporting , to assist in completing necessary information is located at the website.

Internal Audit will keep records of all communications received (date received, description, and action taken). Internal Audit will handle the investigation unless the report is not consistent with the intended purpose of the program and it will then refer to the appropriate policy division (i.e. personnel issues, etc.).

Depending on the nature of the suspected offense, Internal Audit may work with or forward the information to the Purdue University Police Department, Legal Counsel, Risk Management, Human Resources, or another relevant office.

What is the specific contact information for reporting incidents anonymously?

• Dedicated Fraud Reporting Program Number for anonymous reporting: 765-494-6999. The anonymous fraud-reporting program toll free number is 866-818-2620.

• Mail Address: Purdue University, Internal Audit Office, Freehafer Hall of Administrative Services, 401 S. Grant Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2024.

• Fraud Reporting Form (Adobe Acrobat Reader required)

What is the specific contact information for reporting incidents if you do not wish to remain anonymous?

• Internal Audit direct line: 765-494-7588

• Email address: iadirector@purdue.edu or plfish@purdue.edu
  

Are there instances when the Internal Audit Office will not conduct an investigation?
If the information is not sufficient or detailed enough, the Internal Audit Office may not be able to conduct an investigation. As an example, if the report simply states to look at a department, the Internal Audit Office will not have enough information to conduct an investigation.

Related information
University policies: http://www.purdue.edu/oop/policies/