The vast amount of public funds and programs in federal, state and local governments can make it difficult to keep track of expenditures. Far too many people seize this opportunity to commit fraud, which in turn halts intended improvements or services.
For example, the Houston-based Dubuis Health System and Southern Crescent Hospital for Specialty Care Inc., in Riverdale, Ga., were accused of overcharging Medicare. The hospitals allegedly hospitalized patients longer than necessary to obtain larger reimbursements from the government. They agreed to repay the U.S. government $8 million to resolve various False Claims Act (FCA) allegations dating back to 2003.
“When fraud involving public funds occurs, the amount of goods or services those funds can purchase diminishes, and taxpayer dollars are wasted. Constituents see declining value. Public officials and stakeholders face questions regarding the use of tax dollars or other people’s money,” says Trish Fritsche, a senior manager in Forensics and Litigation Services at Weaver.
Smart Business spoke with Fritsche about how public sector officials and other stakeholders can respond to fraud schemes with the help of forensic accountants.
What are the most prevalent fraud methods used in the public sector?
Common ways to divert public funds from intended use are asset misappropriation, corruption and financial statement fraud. Although internal controls can be put in place to prevent fraud, in reality, fraud is potentially as unlimited as the human ingenuity to circumvent those controls.
How should organizations respond?
Once an incident of suspected fraud is identified via a hotline or other source, questions to ask include:
- Should the investigation be handled internally or externally?
- Who are the stakeholders?
- What are the resources needed?
- Should the entity self-report fraud?
At this time, attorneys and forensic accountants may need to become involved. Forensic accountants possess the skills necessary to appropriately respond in a crisis. They understand how to discover and develop information that can be used by governmental entities, boards and others with fiduciary responsibility. Forensic accountants also provide consulting services or expert testimony. They work closely with law enforcement and others to properly address the fraudulent conduct.
What laws can assist with addressing fraudulent conduct?
The Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act of 2009 (FERA), enacted just after the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, seeks to reduce fraud involving federal money and property. The act expanded various civil and criminal fraud statutes to include mortgage businesses, as well as entities associated with recovery act funding.
Liability under the FCA was originally limited to individuals or entities that directly or indirectly induced payment by the federal government. FERA, however, expanded that. Now, the FCA not only applies to direct recipients of government funds, but also to any contractor or other entity receiving funds. It explicitly prohibits the retention of government overpayments to individuals or entities.
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) was enacted in 1970 to combat organized-crime activities. It has since been used to prosecute other offenses, including fraud cases involving government funds. Under RICO, anyone who has committed any two crimes from a list of 27 federal and eight state crimes —such as bribery, embezzlement and money laundering — within a 10-year period can be charged with racketeering. RICO allows a U.S. Attorney to temporarily seize a defendant’s assets and prevent the transfer of potentially forfeitable property. In addition, private parties are allowed to file civil lawsuits under certain circumstances.
Each fraudulent act involving public sector funds not only decreases the funds available, it also causes constituents to lose faith in officials. Effectively combatting fraud enables entities to do the greatest good for the greatest number, while establishing trust among all stakeholders. ●
Trish Fritsche, CPA, CFF, CITP, CGMA, is a senior manager in Forensics and Litigation Services at Weaver. Reach her at (800) 332-7952 or [email protected].
Insights Accounting is brought to you by Weaver
