In The News 5 January 2026

Auditor of State launches additional option for Ohioans to report suspected fraud involving public resources

COLUMBUS — Auditor of State Keith Faber announced a new option for Ohioans who suspect wrongdoing involving public resources.

The Auditor of State’s Office has added a new section to its website dedicated to tips about potential fraud involving public benefits programs (online at OhioAuditor.gov).

“We want to make sure that public resources that are supposed to be helping the most vulnerable among us are not lining the pockets of crooks,” Auditor Faber said. “We welcome anyone with evidence of crimes that involve public funds to contact us. We take these allegations very seriously, scrutinize any evidence of wrongdoing, and hold people accountable for their actions.”

The Auditor of State’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) already receives and reviews tips of alleged criminal activities involving public funds and offices. In 2025, SIU helped to secure 23 criminal convictions and about $3.1 million in court-ordered restitution against people who abused the public trust. Since 2019, we’ve secured 153 criminal convictions for fraud and 272 findings for recovery totaling more than $28.5 million.

Additionally, in fiscal year 2025, the Auditor of State’s Office issued nearly $2.5 million in findings for recovery through regular financial audit work, ensuring public offices are operating effectively and efficiently with the funds they receive. 

The Office also completed more than 50 compliance examinations of Medicaid providers, including those receiving funding to provide home health care to Ohioans in need, and identified more than $3 million in questionable payments.

Anyone who suspects wrongdoing involving public offices or funding should contact the Auditor of State’s fraud hotline at 866-FRAUD-OH (866-372-8364) or online at ohioauditor.gov/fraud/report-fraud.html.

“We will continue to investigate complaints about potential wrongdoing by public offices and pursue criminal prosecution when warranted,” Auditor Faber said. “We will do everything in our power to hold accountable those who abuse public resources.”

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••• Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 27 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service – and want it to continue – it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.

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