Section V: Preventative Measures

This section of the training will provide you with information on how you can prevent and/or detect misuse and fraud with the Government Purchase Charge Card. As an A/OPC, you are key to preventing and detecting misuse of the accounts under your control. The most important thing you can do is to be aware of what activity is occurring on those accounts, and do not be afraid to ask questions if you identify suspicious transactions or behavior.

1. What are misuse and fraud, and how are they different?

Any intentional use of the Government Purchase Charge Card for anything other than official Government business is considered to be misuse. Depending on the facts of each case, misuse may also be considered fraud. Fraud is generally defined as the intentional misrepresentation of facts, deceitful practice, or willful device with intent to deprive another of his right or to do injury or damage to him. Generally speaking, misuse of the Purchase Charge Card will result in disciplinary action, ranging from verbal counseling by a supervisor to termination of employment (depending on the type and extent of misuse). Additionally, cardholders who misuse their Purchase Charge Cards will be held personally liable to the Government for the amount of any unauthorized transaction(s). Fraud is more serious as it is a criminal offense, and depending on the type of fraud the cardholder can be convicted and subject to fines and/or imprisonment.