Fraud Prevention
March is Fraud Prevention Month in Canada, a reminder that fraud can affect any organization, including universities, and each of us as individuals.
What is Fraud?
Fraud rarely looks dramatic. More often, it arrives quietly through an email, text message, or “quick request” that feels routine, urgent, and just convincing enough to slip past our defences. Universities, businesses, and individuals are frequent targets, and fraudsters are becoming increasingly skilled at blending in.
Whether at work or at home, messages may appear to come from senior leaders, vendors, banks, or government agencies, asking for payments, account changes, or sensitive information. The most effective defence is not suspicion, it is awareness. Slowing down, verifying unexpected requests through known contacts, and following established processes can prevent costly mistakes and help protect people and resources.
When Requests Feel Familiar, yet Urgent
Many workplace fraud attempts rely on impersonation and urgency. Messages may appear to come from a senior leader, vendor, or trusted partner, asking for a payment, an account change, or sensitive information—often framed as time sensitive or confidential.
Common warning signs include:
- Pressure to act quickly
- Unusual or unexpected requests
- Requests to bypass normal approval or verification processes
At the University of Manitoba, approval steps and controls are not obstacles, they are safeguards. Taking an extra moment to confirm a request through a known contact or established process can prevent costly mistakes.
If a request involves money, login credentials, or sensitive information and feels rushed, it’s worth slowing down.
Why Awareness Matters
Fraud thrives on speed and silence. It works best when people feel rushed or hesitant to ask questions. Awareness, and a willingness to pause and verify, is one of the most effective defences.
Fraud Prevention Month is a reminder that:
- Anyone can be targeted
- Asking questions is encouraged
- Slowing down is often the safest option
- Reporting suspicious activity helps protect others
What You Can Do
Pause before you act
Verify requests using a known phone number or trusted contact
Know your responsibilities: See something, say something
To report suspicious activity:
- Suspicious emails or messages at UM:
Report to spam@umanitoba.ca Suspected fraud or financial irregularities at UM:
Submit a report using the University’s confidential reporting form, which is reviewed by Audit Services.
- Suspicious emails or messages at UM:
For More Information
Audit Services supports the University by promoting strong internal controls and ethical conduct, and our team is available if you have questions or need assistance; you can reach us at audit.services@umanitoba.ca
To learn more:
- Read about financial stewardship and your responsibilities in this one-page overview
Review the Fraud and Financial Irregularity Reporting Policy and Procedure
Discover more resources on the Government of Canada’s Fraud Prevention Month website