The Institute of Internal Auditors defines fraud as:
“Any illegal act characterized by deceit, concealment or violation of trust. Frauds are perpetrated to obtain money, property or services; to avoid payment or loss of services; or to secure personal or business advantage.”
Fraud is an activity that deprives the University of resources, or the taking of unjust advantage of the University’s name/brand.
Examples of some of these activities are:
- misuse of travel allowances;
- operating private businesses using the University's resources and time;
- misuse of sick leave/not completing a leave form when going on leave;
- accepting bribe money from students to adjust marks;
- establishing a private business that conducts business with the University without declaring the conflict of interest to the line manager;
- misuse of cash.
These are just a few examples of fraud. Unfortunately all employees have to be aware that fraud exists and have to help establish a positive control environment in their departments in order to combat fraud.
Fraud Prevention Plan
The University of Pretoria has a fraud prevention plan in place which includes a Fraud Policy and Response Plan and a Whistle-blowers policy.