SOU-fraud-John J. Hall

SOU brings well-known speaker to campus for anti-fraud seminar

SOU will host an Oct. 25 fraud prevention seminar with certified public accountant, business consultant and well-known speaker John J. Hall. The event is free and open to all members of the campus community.

Hall, who has spoken to corporations and non-profit organizations around the world, will address “Fraud Deterrence and Prevention Skills for Manager and Staff.” The presentation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Meese Room (#305) of the Hannon Library. Those who wish to attend can RSVP at fis-training@sou.edu or by calling (541) 552-8528.

Hall warns his clients that their organizations are probably already being targeted for fraud. “Internet-based hackers, international organized crime organizations and even a small percentage of employees all see your assets and information as too tempting to ignore,” Hall says on his website.

“Managing business fraud risks requires your daily attention,” he says. “It’s a ‘cat and mouse’ endeavor where the smarter we get, the harder they have to work to get us.”

Hall offers three critical steps that any entity can take to protect itself:

  • Build a culture of honesty within the organization
  • Perform a fraud risk assessment and determine how to mitigate risks
  • Provide anti-fraud skills training

SOU implemented tightened internal controls and mandatory training for employees after the university was the victim of a fraud about a year and a half ago. A policy requiring ongoing risk assessments was applied across the organization.

This month’s seminar, presented by SOU Business Services, is intended to help participants prevent fraud on campus and in their own lives.