What to Do When You Suspect Fraud
Fraud generally involves a willful or deliberate act with the intention of obtaining an unauthorized benefit, such as money or resources, by deception or other unethical means. Fraud encompasses an array of irregularities and illegal acts characterized by intentional deception. It can be perpetrated for the benefit of or to the detriment of the organization and by persons outside as well as inside the organization.
Managers or other employees who discover or suspect a financial irregularity (including embezzlement, theft or fraud) within the Johns Hopkins Institutions should contact the Johns Hopkins Compliance Line immediately at:
1-844-SPEAK2US (1-844-773-2528)
Administered through an independent company, The Johns Hopkins Compliance Line is a toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week telephone resource that allows faculty and staff to report workplace concerns, including suspected illegal or unethical behavior; non-compliance with laws, regulations and policies; safety violations; criminal offenses; or other concerns. Callers may remain anonymous if so desired.
Alternatively, if you have any concerns or want to talk to someone, you may call The Office of Hopkins Internal Audits at (667) 208-8461 or email John Leahy – Fraud Investigator.
Hopkins Internal Audit is responsible for coordinating investigations in consultation with Human Resources, the Office of the General Counsel/JHU, JHM General Counsel, security offices or the Office of the Controller, as appropriate to the circumstances.
Do not confront the individual(s) involved.
Examples of fraud may include (but are not limited to):
- Sponsored Program Regulatory Compliance (eg. improper effort reporting, illegal cost transfers, unallowable costs charged to grants etc.)
- Safety, health and environmental concerns
- Patient care/patients’ rights/patient abuse
- Embezzlement or Theft of Funds (eg. petty cash, procurement card or other financial fraud)
- Medical billing irregularities
- Workplace violence
- Substance/alcohol abuse
- Threats to property
- Conflicts of Interest
- Improper payments such as illegal bribes or kickbacks (eg. Project Manager taking kickbacks from subcontractor for business).
- Intentional, improper representation of valuation of transactions, assets, liabilities or income.
For more information on The Johns Hopkins Compliance Line, visit the Web site at (https://hrnt.jhu.edu/policies/compliance_line.cfm).
Please call the Office of Hopkins Internal Audits with any questions on issues related to fraud. Your call will be kept confidential and your name will not be part of the call record.