State agencies and local governments should use this form to report known or suspected losses of public funds or other illegal activity to the State Auditor's Office.  Exceptions from reporting are listed here.  Citizens who wish to report concerns should use our Citizen Hotline.  State employees who wish to report possible improper governmental activity should use our Whistleblower program.

State law (RCW 43.09.185) requires all state agencies and local governments to immediately notify the State Auditor's Office in the event of a known or suspected loss of public resources or other illegal activity.   This includes situations in which disciplinary action against an employee is being considered due to known or suspected losses of public funds, fraud, illegal acts, or noncompliance with policies or procedures related to preventing losses of public funds, misappropriation or other illegal acts.

Our Office will consult with you about when and if it is appropriate to file a police report with local or state law enforcement. However, governments should immediately notify the appropriate local or state law enforcement agency in the following circumstances:

• Suspected losses involving the health or safety of employees or property.
• Losses resulting from breaking and entering or other vandalism of property.

Thank you for notifying the State Auditor's Office of known or suspected losses of public funds or other illegal activity in accordance with RCW 43.09.185. You will receive an automated e-mail at the email address you supplied to confirm our receipt of your report, which will include your tracking number.

Here are a few reminders regarding losses of public funds:

• Take steps to protect applicable records from loss or destruction, if necessary. For example, you should secure backup copies of computer records and original paper records related to the situation in a vault, safe or locked cabinet until the investigation is complete.
• Our Office with consult with you about when and if it is appropriate to file a police report with the appropriate local or state law enforcement. However, governments should immediately notify local or state law enforcement agency without waiting to consult our Office in the following circumstances:
  • Suspected losses involving the health or safety of employees or property.
  • Losses resulting from breaking and entering or other vandalism of property.
• RCW 43.09.260 (Local Governments) and RCW 43.09.330 (State Governments) require written approval of the State Auditor and Attorney General before state agencies and local governments make any restitution agreement, compromise, or settlement of loss claims covered by RCW 43.09.185.

We will respond to your report as quickly as possible. If you have not heard from our Office within five business days, or if you are contemplating immediate actions, please contact Fraud Manager Stephanie Sullivan, CFE, sullivans@sao.wa.gov or by phone at (360) 688-0858.

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