Waste, Fraud & Abuse
AI ‘is changing the game’ in fraud threats and prevention efforts, SSA OIG official says
Chief Strategy Officer for the SSA Office of the Inspector General Chad Bungard said “the government is looking towards AI to fight fraud, and the criminals are looking towards AI to commit fraud.”
Former CISA employee pleads guilty to defrauding government with secret contractor jobs
Prosecutors say Richeline Fung secretly held contractor jobs tied to six agencies and claimed up to 33-hour workdays while working full time for the federal cyber agency.
Inspector general fired by Trump talks leadership, OIG independence and his new memoir
Former Labor watchdog Larry Turner writes about confronting racism, working under “toxic” bosses and what he misses most about being in government.
GSA's $13 billion fraud claim relies on cases predating task force
The settlements cited add up to just $117 million, and at least one case predates the Trump administration.
GSA says it’s uncovered ‘record-setting’ $13B in suspected procurement fraud
The White House added General Services Administration fraud estimates to its website that serves as a ledger for suspected fraud across the federal government.
Despite firings, acting IG says it’s 'the best time to be in the inspector general community' due to focus on fraud
A panel of inspectors general at a government accounting conference also discussed challenges combating technologically advanced scams and performing more proactive oversight.
Anti-fraud overhaul clears House despite Democratic concerns over privacy and IG independence
Many Democrats opposed the measure due to fears the Trump administration would exert more political influence on inspectors general as well as concerns about privacy risk.
Lawmakers press for tighter oversight of fast-growing prediction markets
Senators are urging the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to clarify rules for event contracts and strengthen monitoring standards, warning that rapid growth in prediction markets is exposing weaknesses in safeguards against manipulation and consumer harm.
GSA joins White House’s fraud prevention task force
The agency said it will support the unit’s efforts by identifying waste, fraud and abuse across government contracting programs.
White House withholds $1.3B in Medicaid payments to California amid broader fraud crackdown
Vice President JD Vance said the administration will audit states’ Medicaid Fraud Control Units and threatened to “turn off” federal funding for the watchdogs if their fraud prevention efforts are found to be deficient.
Agency leader says AI is helping resource-strained workforce identify more fraud
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services official also said the Trump administration’s efforts to combat fraud in government are enabling her to “push the needle” with using the technology.
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Agencies doled out $186B in improper payments last year, GAO says
That fiscal year 2025 improper payment number is up by $24 billion from the previous fiscal year, even as the Trump administration says that it’s tamping down on fraud.
Catch me if you can’t: How fraudsters are outpacing the government
COMMENTARY | The government must stop chasing money lost to fraud and instead focus on preventing the crime before payments go out. This requires policy changes so agencies can share information and be rewarded for stopping losses at the source.
Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer to step down amid misconduct allegations
The Labor Department’s inspector general is investigating claims involving inappropriate messages to staff and misuse of funds, as the White House names Keith Sonderling acting secretary.
Trump’s federal workforce changes cost the economy more than $165.6B, analysis finds
The Partnership for Public Service report includes the costs of the deferred resignation program, severance pay for laid-off civil servants and federal employees who were on paid administrative leave while their firings were challenged in court.
Scammers posing as federal officials drive complaints up and rack up $800 million in losses
The scams, some of which were fueled by AI, can be especially effective because they exploit the built-in authority and urgency people associate with institutions.
VA’s former EHR lead indicted for concealing contractor gifts
The Justice Department alleges that John Windom accepted and sometimes demanded various gifts while helming the electronic health record modernization at Veterans Affairs.
Trump’s anti-fraud task force poised to scrutinize benefits programs
The new White House task force will withhold government funding for state and local benefits programs if their anti-fraud controls are viewed as lacking.
The Pentagon’s investment deals draw congressional scrutiny
DOD weapons buyer Michael Duffey testified about the decision to invest $1 billion in L3Harris.
5 guardrails federal agencies need before the next emergency loan program
COMMENTARY | Congress can authorize speed, but accountable structures must be in place before the next emergency loan program begins.
