Fraud is knowingly misrepresenting the truth or concealing important facts to harm another or benefit oneself.

There are two key characteristics of fraud:

1. First, the person acts intentionally, with purpose. This separates fraud from honest errors or mistakes.
2. Second, the perpetrator’s actions are concealed. Unlike other offenses, the person actively works to hide the illegal activity. This is why fraud is often hard to detect.

Daily Fraud Facts highlight things all state employees need to learn about what fraud is and how to stop it:

• Keep alert for where fraud lurks! Fraud can happen anywhere and anytime, in your agency, division, or even within your unit. Catch Tuesday’s Daily Fraud Fact for more.
• Live in the know! When fraud happens, it impacts you, the Board of Animal Health, the state, and every Minnesota taxpayer. Catch Wednesday’s Daily Fraud Fact for more on impacts and ways to identify fraud.
• Report it! Know where and how to report what you know or suspect about fraud. Catch Thursday’s Daily Fraud Fact for more.
• Power of teamwork! Fraud awareness and prevention is the job of everyone. Catch Friday’s Daily Fraud Fact to know your responsibilities and learn about effective internal controls.

Whether it is activity that an employee sees or a customer or citizen tip, do not dismiss concerns. View our Fraud Reporting Resources pages to find out how to report fraud!

Thank you for doing your part to prevent, detect, and report fraud in Minnesota State Government.