The International Fraud Awareness Week 2025 (held from 16 to 22 November) marked its 25th anniversary this year, prompting leaders and organizations globally to issue strong statements emphasizing the need for collective action, vigilance, and ethical culture in the face of increasingly complex digital threats.
Here is a list of quotes from press releases and official statements from the 2025 campaign:
On Collective Responsibility and Vigilance
These quotes focus on the shared duty of individuals, businesses, and government bodies to actively participate in fraud prevention.
“Preventing fraud is a team effort – don’t sit on the sidelines.” —Commonwealth Fraud Prevention Centre (Australia)
“Fraud remains a serious crime, that continues to evolve, so we all need to stay alert.” —Cllr Robert Frost, Cabinet Spokesperson for Core Services (Barnsley Council, UK)
“It’s easy to think that fraud won’t happen to you, but in reality scams can impact everyone in different ways.” —Cllr Robert Frost, Cabinet Spokesperson for Core Services (Barnsley Council, UK)
“Trust takes years to build, seconds to break and forever to repair.” —Ms Roelofsz, Compliance Audit Unit (South African Department of Water and Sanitation)
“Vigilance, transparency and integrity. We cannot afford complacency when nearly half of global cases end with no recovery.” —Madhav, Forvis Mazars South Africa
“If you see something, say something and save our tomorrow.” —Ms Toto, Forensic Investigations Unit (South African Department of Water and Sanitation)
On Technology and the Evolving Threat
These statements address the rapid digitalization of fraud and the critical role of technology and ethics in the counter-fraud fight.
“Fraud methods have a complex structure. Trust becomes sustainable through technological infrastructure as well as ethical principles, transparency policies and a culture of accountability.” —CFECERT (on the 2025 theme “Building the Future of Trust”)
“Technology has not eliminated fraud – it has amplified it.” —Madhav, Forvis Mazars South Africa
“You no longer need a suitcase of cash – a few clicks can transfer millions.” —Madhav, Forvis Mazars South Africa (on the ease of digital financial crime)
“The advent of digital finance has made it easier to disguise fraud.” —Madhav, Forvis Mazars South Africa
On Culture and Organizational Integrity
Quotes emphasizing that strong internal ethics and “tone at the top” are as important as technical controls.
“While we can implement the best digital controls in the world, without a business culture of integrity, those controls are only as strong as the weakest employee.” —Madhav, Forvis Mazars South Africa
“Combating fraud is not just about being suspicious or constantly monitoring. The real goal is to foster a culture based on transparency, fair practices and accountability…” —CFECERT
“Fraud is not born of desperation – it’s often driven by opportunity and rationalisation. It’s about ethical bankruptcy rather than financial necessity.” —Madhav, Forvis Mazars South Africa
“Getting your employees onboard as part of your team definitely increases your chances of winning.” —ACFE President John Gill, J.D., CFE
On the Vision and Future of the Campaign
Statements reflecting on the 25th anniversary and the future goals of the global movement.
“My hope is that Fraud Week will continue to grow, to the point where it will be standard operating procedure at organizations throughout the world to spend this week focused on raising fraud awareness.” —ACFE Chief Executive Officer John Warren, J.D., CFE
“We are all working to raise awareness continuously, and Fraud Week provides an important annual reminder for everyone in our profession to focus on raising awareness…” —ACFE Chief Executive Officer John Warren, J.D., CFE