The Importance of Educating Staff on Handling Whistleblower Reports

According to the ACFE's Report to the Nations, whistleblowers don’t always use formal reporting mechanisms like hotlines to report fraud. In fact, 29% of reports are made directly to supervisors, while others may approach executives, internal audit teams, or fraud investigation units. This highlights the need for organizations to educate all staff members—especially those who may receive informal complaints—on the proper procedures for handling fraud allegations. By ensuring that employees know how to appropriately address and escalate reports, organizations can foster a more transparent and effective approach to fraud detection and prevention. 

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