Information verification
Verify key information from requests or claims with an independent and credible source.
This control targets both internal and external fraud risks.
Examples
Examples of this control include:
- cross-referencing the provider number with provider register(s)
- verifying claim eligibility by cross-referencing details held by another programme or organisation
- requesting original or certified documents instead of photocopies or screenshots
- obtaining corresponding evidence from both a client and provider
- verifying academic and professional qualifications with the education provider
- confirming business details.
Risks from control gap
Not verifying the information that you receive can lead to:
- fraudsters providing false information or evidence to support a request or claim
- fraudsters hiding information that would affect their entitlements
- fraudsters successfully using forged documents to support a request or claim
- difficulties in responding to fraud.
Assessing effectiveness
Methods to evaluate the effectiveness of this control include:
- confirming that reference and guidance materials regarding information verification processes are easy to understand
- confirming that information is verified by reviewing a sample of completed requests or claims
- confirming that processes cannot be circumvented by doing pressure testing or a process walkthrough
- reviewing procedures and guidance to confirm they clearly specify the requirements for verifying information
- confirming that employees have a consistent and correct understanding of how to verify information
- confirming that verification requirements are clearly communicated to employees, customers and third parties
- confirming that employees cannot bypass or manipulate the verification requirements, even when pressure or coercion is applied
- confirming that employees receive training about how to verify information.
Complementary controls
Other capability, prevention, detection and response controls that can enhance this control’s effectiveness:
Related fraudster personas
Types of behaviour this control is designed to mitigate:
The deceiver
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The fabricator
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The impersonator
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The organised
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Download the complete fraud control catalogue
Explore a range of controls that can be put in place to reduce the risk of fraud happening in your organisation.
More information
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