Shining a light on Fraud: The benefits of case studies for fraud prevention

Decorative

A common challenge in Australia and around the globe is that fraud is underreported. We don't like discussing fraud, because its occurrence is sometimes viewed as a failure. Fraud is often only discussed when systemic events are uncovered and convictions occur.

Promoting a positive counter fraud narrative can shift this misconception. Finding fraud is not a failure, but a success. A simple, positive and cohesive narrative that has worked in the UK is: "Finding fraud is a good thing. If we can find it, we can fight it!"

A positive narrative like this better emphasises the benefits of an effective counter fraud framework – trust in government is enhanced, programs are more effective and public funds are better spent.

The benefits of case studies

Humans learn through story telling. Case studies provide a useful tool to promote a positive counter fraud narrative and increase awareness of fraud. This challenges the stigma around detecting fraud – the first step in increasing fraud reporting in Australia.

Being open about your entity's experience with fraud can also help to identify trends in fraud incidence and improve prevention capabilities. Publicly communicated case studies can also influence the attitudes and behaviours of ordinary people and criminals – and stop them from attempting fraud.

Your entity can also use case studies to:

  • encourage creative problem solving and critical thinking
  • create learning opportunities
  • be a teaching tool
  • provide guidance on how to solve complex issues.

Our key tips for creating a case study

  • be succinct
  • communicate in a simple and relatable way
  • provide tangible examples of the consequences of fraud and the impact on the community.

Why we use the case study register

The Centre maintains an up to date, expansive resource of fraud case studies from a range of Australian Government entities. The register not only depicts criminal activity from a range of fraudster personas, but also of the real impacts that affect people, businesses and government.

We use the case study register to help contextualise data and help tell the stories behind the data.

Explore the case register on our website.

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