Did you know fraud can hide in plain sight? Here’s how to spot it

Did you know fraud can hide in plain sight? Here's how to spot it

February 23, 2026 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time - 1:26

Did you know that the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have a dedicated team, the Fraud Risk Management Program (FRMP) (accessible only on the DWAN network), working proactively to detect, prevent, and manage fraud across the Defence Team?

Fraud is defined as an intentional act of deception-committed by employees, contractors, or external parties-to gain an unfair or unlawful advantage. Fraud is not always obvious. It can occur in routine processes such as procurement, travel claims, and financial reporting. Left unchecked, fraud undermines public trust, wastes resources, and compromises the integrity of Defence programs.

Red flags to watch for

• Unusual vendor activity or payment patterns
• Missing documentation or vague justifications
• Invoices that do not match contract terms or deliverables
• Employees exhibiting unexplained lifestyle changes
• Resistance to oversight, audits, or accountability
• Repeated errors or inconsistencies in financial records
• Employees not taking leave

The FRMP uses Fraud Risk Assessments (FRAs) [PDF, 177 KB] to identify these vulnerabilities before they become problems. These assessments help pinpoint weak controls, evaluate risk levels, and recommend practical solutions.

Did you know that the FRMP also uses data analytics to monitor patterns and detect anomalies in real time? This proactive approach helps identify potential fraud as it occurs and reinforces stewardship.

Examples of fraudulent activity

• Time theft (accessible only on the DWAN network)
• False reporting of expenses
• Identity theft
• Stealing money or property from an organization

Awareness is your best defence

Technology alone isn't enough. Building a culture of integrity requires awareness and education. That's why the FRMP delivers across the Defence Team. These sessions dive into real fraud scenarios, teach participants how to recognize red flags, and encourage open dialogue. A new online training course is launching soon to make fraud awareness even more accessible.

Reporting matters

Fraud thrives in silence. If you observe suspicious activity, report it. Reports can be made confidentially through your supervisor or chain of command, the Internal Disclosure Office (accessible only on the DWAN network), or external organizations such as the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner.

You are the first line of defence. Stay alert. Stay informed. And if something doesn't feel right-report it.