The Evolution of Whistleblowing: Trends in Reporting Mechanisms

ACFE's Report to the Nations highlights a significant shift in how fraud tips are reported. While more than half of fraud tips (53%) come through formal channels like hotlines, the preference for reporting mechanisms has evolved in recent years. Telephone hotlines, once the dominant method, have seen a decline since 2018, with email and online reporting forms now surpassing them. Additionally, the 2024 report introduces text messaging as a new reporting method, accounting for 3% of fraud tips. This trend reflects the growing diversity and flexibility in how individuals choose to report misconduct, driven by technological advances. For organizations, staying current with these evolving methods is essential to ensuring that all stakeholders have easy, secure options for raising concerns. 

Thank you to the ACFE’s Report to the Nations!