Strengthening Public-Sector Fraud Defense
Through the ACFE Law Enforcement and Government Alliance (LEGA) program, government agencies can explore anti-fraud training and resources to prevent, deter and reduce fraud within their organizations.
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Fraud in government programs undermines more than budgets. It erodes public trust, impacts services and weakens institutions designed to protect citizens. Taxpayer-funded programs, social services and government institutions are prime targets for fraudsters looking to exploit systemic gaps.
According to data of actual fraud cases compiled in the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ (ACFE’s) Occupational Fraud 2024: A Report to the Nations, organizations in the government and public administration sector faced a median loss of $200,000 per case of occupational fraud, with an average loss of $2,451,000 per case. As fraud threats evolve, government and law enforcement agencies must adapt quickly to protect resources and maintain public confidence.
The ACFE Law Enforcement and Government Alliance (LEGA) program is designed to fill this gap for government agencies at the local, state, national and international levels, providing anti-fraud training and resources to assist and guide you in your efforts to prevent, deter and reduce fraud.
Program Manager
IRS, Office of Fraud Enforcement
According to data of actual fraud cases compiled in the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ (ACFE’s) Occupational Fraud 2024: A Report to the Nations, organizations in the government and public administration sector faced a median loss of $200,000 per case of occupational fraud, with an average loss of $2,451,000 per case. As fraud threats evolve, government and law enforcement agencies must adapt quickly to protect resources and maintain public confidence.
The ACFE Law Enforcement and Government Alliance (LEGA) program is designed to fill this gap for government agencies at the local, state, national and international levels, providing anti-fraud training and resources to assist and guide you in your efforts to prevent, deter and reduce fraud.
A Collective Defense Against Fraud
Fraud against government programs continues to grow in scope and sophistication. From pandemic relief fraud to benefits fraud and emerging tech schemes, fraudsters continue to find new ways to exploit vulnerabilities across the public sector.
Unlike in the private sector where profit margins may be able to absorb some of these losses, fraud in government programs directly impacts citizens. From delayed services to diminished public resources, the consequences are immediate and visible. This makes the role of public-sector fraud examiners, auditors and investigators even more critical to support.
– Marcie R. Jones, CFEThe Internal Revenue Service’s Office of Fraud Enforcement (OFE) is proud to have numerous Certified Fraud Examiners as part of their organization. The CFE credential ensures employees are properly trained in the latest fraud issues and techniques. … OFE’s partnership with LEGA provides excellent networking opportunities for all of OFE’s CFE members.
Program Manager
IRS, Office of Fraud Enforcement
Benefits for Agencies
Through LEGA, agencies gain more than just membership. The program offers benefits such as:
- Training and Education: Receive a10% discount on ACFE conferences, seminars and self-study resources.
- Recruitment Support: Utilize free job postings on the ACFE Job Board to help attract Certified Fraud Examiners (CFEs) to your agency.
- Visibility and Outreach: Get complimentary booth space at the ACFE Global Fraud Conference or a regional conference to promote your agency’s initiatives.
- Professional Development: Access discounts on the CFE Exam Prep Course and CFE Exam packages, helping you certify staff at all levels in fraud prevention and detection.
- Networking Opportunities: Make invaluable connections through ACFE chapters, luncheons and roundtables with anti-fraud professionals worldwide.
Public-sector fraud impacts every taxpayer. Becoming a LEGA partner strengthens your agency’s response by combining professional development, global collaboration and practical tools to help you safeguard resources and uphold public trust.