A Fraud Minute: Ca State Water Board PR

DID YOU KNOW?

The Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Prevention Unit investigates cases where state funds are being misused, or false information is provided for financial gain.  

 Here’s a real case involving the State Water Board’s funding programs:   

What Happened? 

A consulting company submitted false invoices claiming staff hours that were never worked. No timecards were kept, and employees did not track their time.  

What Were the Red Flags? 

Invoices showed employees logging 24, 32, and even 40 hours in a single 8-hour workday across multiple projects. 

What Were the Outcomes? 

Thanks to a tip from a Water Boards employee, the Fraud Prevention Unit initiated an investigation. The result? A $175,000 settlement and the company’s disqualification from all state funding programs. 

Source: 2024 ACFE Report to the Nations

For more information, please visit The Office of Enforcement Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Prevention | California State Water Resources Control Board.

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