A Week Dedicated to Fraud Awareness, Detection and Prevention

Organizations around the world lose an estimated five percent of their annual revenues to fraud, according to a survey of fraud experts conducted by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). It is against this backdrop that the ACFE urges organizations worldwide to participate in International Fraud Awareness Week, November 6-12, 2011 to help cast a spotlight on this urgent problem.

This weeklong campaign encourages business leaders and employees to proactively take steps to minimize the impact of fraud by promoting anti-fraud awareness and education.

Coverage of Fraud Week in the Media

The following is just a sampling of recent media coverage regarding International Fraud Awareness Week:

• The Wall Street Journal's "Q/A: Pam Verick On International Fraud Awareness." Verick is director and solution leader of fraud risk management for Protiviti, an Official Supporter of Fraud Week.

• Lifehacker article, "How to Protect Yourself from Online Fraud and Identity Theft," uses Fraud Week as an opportunity to present tips and red flags for fraud.

• Consumer Reports informs readers with "International Fraud Awareness Week: Know These 7 Red Flags for Fraud."

• NBC News in South Dakota presents a three-part series on Fraud Week, beginning with "Fraud, it's Looking for Your Business."

Late night talk show hosts seem to love International Fraud Awareness Week. Last year, it was Jay Leno who mentioned Fraud Week in his monologue. And on Thursday, Nov. 10, Jimmy Fallon said: "You guys, next week is International Fraud Awareness Week... I fooled you, it's actually this week." Maybe he should let us write the joke next year! But in all seriousness, it is great that people are taking notice of this critical awareness campaign.

What Our Official Supporters Are Doing This Year

The following are just a few of the activities planned from among the hundreds of Fraud Week Official Supporters:

• The Montana Department of Administration, Risk Management & Tort Defense Division hosted a four-hour seminar on fraud prevention awareness for managers. More than 400 managers participated in the seminar.

• Gayle Pedrotty, CFE, writes that Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company will be displaying posters, providing brochures on various types of fraud, and will have an informational Special Investigations Unit (SIU) booth to raise employee awareness about fraud.

• Robert Brancato, CFE, said that Robert Dean & Associates held a special press event on Friday, Oct. 21, to help raise anti-fraud awareness in South Dakota. Their efforts continue with seminars and additional press events scheduled.

• Darton Group builds on its past support of International Fraud Awareness Week with new blog postings and outreach to its social media network. A third-year participant in Fraud Week, read more about Darton Group's activities here.

• The ACFE - Northwest Florida Chapter will host its annual Student Night, Tuesday, Nov. 8, at the University of West Florida in Pensacoloa. In connection will be the annual Mark Shrout Speaker Series, featuring Allan Beam, former CFO of HealthSouth.

Follow International Fraud Awareness Week Activities in Social Media

Join the discussion today through the ACFE Insights blog. Guest bloggers are needed, so share your Fraud Week stories by emailing Scott Patterson, ACFE media relations specialist: spatterson@acfe.com. Follow other ACFE social media efforts here.

Search the hashtag #fraudweek on Twitter for real time updates and information about Fraud Week. We've currently tracked more than a half million impressions on Twitter about Fraud Week.

New Resources

If you haven’t seen all of the updated resources, make sure to visit our download section. These can be used at any time during the year - not just during Fraud Week.

Become an Official Supporter
There's no charge to become an official supporter of International Fraud Awareness Week. You will receive downloadable anti-fraud resources, as well as a logo to post on your company or organization's web site. You will also be provided with a customizable press release to send to local media announcing your involvement in this important movement.

Influence Future Professionals
Speak to local university students enrolled in business, management and accounting courses about the importance of being trained in the detection and prevention of fraud.

Reduce Risk
Send an email to clients outlining the risks and cost of fraud. Encourage them to reduce their fraud risk.

Spread the Word
Encourage other colleagues and students to become involved with the ACFE in the fight against fraud.

Host an Anti-Fraud Seminar
Hold a free fraud prevention seminar in your community. Download anti-fraud resources or contact info@ACFE.com for more information.