State Auditor announces special review of unemployment benefit fraud
State Auditor Pat McCarthy notified Gov.
Fraud
How and when to seek SAO approval for a restitution agreement
Updated October 30, 2023
Information from the Washington State Auditor about the state’s unemployment and Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP) fraud
Criminals, suspected to be part of an international crime ring, have targeted the state's Employment Security Department and are filing fraudulent unemployment claims using the names and personal information of real people to steal public money.
Governments and private businesses across the state have seen a big increase in fraudulent claims, many even filed in the names of current employees.
Here are a few questions and answers regarding this fraud.
Loss of funds at economic development association underscores need for audits
The Camas-Washougal Economic Development Association resisted audits for years, lost public funds and lacked even basic financial documentation since its inception, the Office of the Washington State Auditor found in two reports issued today.
“Public funds need oversight and they need regular audits. Unfortunately, this is an example of the danger to tax dollars and public trust when accountability is shortchanged,” said State Auditor Pat McCarthy. “I hope it serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and independent auditing, regardless of circumstance.”
Pierce County public fraud investigation leads to indictment
In December, we published the results of Washington's largest public fraud investigation on record. This week, the person we identified as having misappropriated $6.9 million from a local government was indicted on federal charges.
It is a good example of the complementary but separate roles of the State Auditor's Office and law enforcement.
State Auditor’s Office uncovers $7 million misappropriation
TACOMA – Today, the Office of the Washington State Auditor released its report on a major fraud investigation involving the Pierce County Housing Authority. The finding, nearly $7 million in misappropriated public funds, is the largest case of its kind on record for a Washington local government.
Where are your payments going this month?
By Team IT Audit
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
SAO now issues public report on each fraud investigation
By Team Audit Management
Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Users of our audits, such as the public, rely on our reports to inform them of important audit results. These stakeholders have consistently communicated to us that fraud in government is an important topic they want to know about.
Auditor’s Office issues fraud report regarding troubled King County drainage district, calls for public engagement in government accountability
Today the Office of the Washington State Auditor released a pair of reports regarding King County Drainage District 5, including a fraud investigation.
Bank sweeps detect fraud
A “bank sweep” is a process where you check with financial institutions to make sure no bank accounts exist for your organization that you aren't aware of.