Ohioans with concerns about potential misuse of public resources now have a new ally in their quest for accountability. The Auditor of State's Office in Ohio has ushered in a dedicated section on its website for reporting suspected fraud, especially regarding public benefits programs. According to a press release from the Auditor of State, Keith Faber emphasized that the aim is to protect resources intended to support the most vulnerable citizens from becoming fodder for fraudulent activities. "We want to make sure that public resources that are supposed to be helping the most vulnerable among us are not lining the pockets of crooks," Ohio Auditor of State, Keith Faber, said.
The state's Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which historically reviews tips about alleged criminal activities involving public funds, has bolstered its efforts with this initiative. Their work in the past has proven to be impactful, with the Auditor's office reporting "23 criminal convictions and about $3.1 million in court-ordered restitution against people who abused the public trust" in 2025 alone. All in all, since 2019, there have been 153 criminal convictions for fraud and 272 findings for recovery, totaling upwards of $28.5 million.
This fresh move also complements the Auditors' team's previous efforts. Over the last fiscal year, almost $2.5 million was issued in findings for recovery through regular audits, ensuring that public offices are functioning effectively with the given funds. More than 50 compliance examinations of Medicaid providers have also revealed over $3 million in questionable payments, demonstrating a vigilant watch over public expenditure.
In the event of suspicion or evidence of impropriety, Ohioans are encouraged to reach out to the Auditor of State’s fraud hotline at 866-FRAUD-OH (866-372-8364), or to report online. "We will continue to investigate complaints about potential wrongdoing by public offices and pursue criminal prosecution when warranted," Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber stated. The commitment to safeguarding public resources is clear: those found misusing them will be held accountable, seeking to preserve the integrity of the state's public benefit systems.
