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News  Alert: Tools to Protect Against Fraud, December 2021

12/01/2021
  • Office of the Inspector General

Government agencies can fall victim to scammers who use threats or high-pressure sales tactics to trick public employees into paying fraudulent invoices.

The Pension Employee Retirement Administration Commission recently audited the Hampden County Regional Contributory Retirement System (Retirement Board) and found that the Retirement Board paid more than $235,000 to over 50 different entities claiming to provide website-related services such as “search engine optimization” or “online directory listings.” The audit identified 119 bogus invoices, many of which demanded “immediate action.”

This alert provides simple tips on how to identify bogus invoices and report fraudsters to the proper authorities: Alert: Tools to Protect Against Fraud

  • Office of the Inspector General 

    The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is an independent agency that prevents and detects fraud, waste and abuse of public funds and public property and promotes transparency and efficiency in government. We serve the residents of Massachusetts, state and local governments, and those who work with the government.
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