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Two vendors defrauded in corporate identity theft
(CHARLESTON) -- Two vendors recently were defrauded as a
result of corporate identity theft that caused the diversion of three
legitimate payments totaling $1,998,752.96. A subsequent attempt
was made to defraud a third vendor. However, the attempt was
unsuccessful.
Documentation necessary to create these payments was
submitted to our office. It contained all necessary information to
complete the electronic payments, including vendor FEIN numbers.
This documentation was reviewed internally and verified in
accordance with due diligence and national standards.
The payments were issued by the state to legitimate vendors.
However, the vendors’ receipts of their legitimate payments are now
under investigation.
We are working with the vendors and state and federal
authorities to investigate and seek restitution to these vendors.
The investigation is in its initial stages and additional
information may become available as it progresses. There is no
evidence of any wrongdoing in the State Auditor’s Office.
Release Date: May 04, 2009
Contact Justin Southern via email at justin.southern@wvsao.gov or by phone: 304.558.2251.
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