Des Moines, IA – State Auditor Rob Sand is encouraging Iowans to become watchdogs in their organizations and communities as part of International Fraud Awareness Week, November 12-18, 2023.

“The Auditor’s Office is the taxpayer’s watchdog. We want every Iowan to be a watchdog and we want them to bark if they suspect fraud or misuse of tax dollars in their organizations and communities,” said Sand. “Tips from people who want to see their tax dollars used as intended and for the greater good, lead to the majority of the investigations by the Auditor’s Office.”

Since taking office in 2019, Sand has uncovered nearly $29 million in fraud and misuse of taxpayer funds, including $21 million in CARES Act dollars. That’s more than any other Iowa Auditor of State. In addition, the Government Accountability Office and the Federal Trade Commission estimate federal agencies made $247 billion in improper payments, and consumers lost $8.8 billion in 2022 alone.

Sand will be joined by representatives from the Des Moines Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners at a news conference to highlight the latest forms of fraud and fraud prevention efforts in the public and private sectors, as well as unveil a week-long campaign to spread fraud awareness.

“We hope to unleash watchdogs across the state,” said Sand. “By fighting fraud together, we can better sniff out the scammers and help Iowans hold onto their hard-earned money.”