Whistleblowing: 80% of financial professionals stay silent on suspected internal fraud fearing retaliation.

“When someone is troubled by corporate wrongdoing and they attempt to sound the alarm, the pathway is uncharted, things happen organically. Typically, people first speak about their concerns with their closest friends and work colleagues who often suggest staying safe saying “keep your head down, if you must report, go soft, nothing black and white.” Yet black and white evidence is what is needed to get the attention of those in power, either internally or with media or outside watchdog groups to prevent or stop fraudulent activity.”

– “Snitch” Sherron Watkins

“Choosing to blow the whistle involves more than just the desire to right a wrong. It’s about protecting their employers from fraud. However, it’s more often than not seen as causing trouble for the employer, or as a self-serving action to get a financial reward. No one who chooses to blow the whistle expects to have their reputation attacked, their credibility impugned, or to lose their job. The cost of ignoring a whistleblower’s complaints is far greater than acknowledging that a problem exists and taking steps to fix it.

“The government’s attempt to conceal the fraud resulted in exacerbated damage, whereas a more prudent approach would have entailed immediate acknowledgement and rectification upon initial disclosure. The retaliatory measures aimed at silencing me made me stronger and fight harder to find someone to listen and stop the fraud.”

– “Rat” Sarah Carver