Office of the Washington State Auditor
@wastateauditor.bsky.social
Working on behalf of the public to promote accountability and transparency of government in Washington state. Learn more at https://sao.wa.gov.
Love infographics? Hate fraud? We have you covered with this visual depiction of common fraudster traits: https://ow.ly/8i5g50X8Sqy
Thank you to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) for the great data, not to mention fraud-prevention diligence! #fraudweek
Thank you to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) for the great data, not to mention fraud-prevention diligence! #fraudweek
November 18, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Love infographics? Hate fraud? We have you covered with this visual depiction of common fraudster traits: https://ow.ly/8i5g50X8Sqy
Thank you to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) for the great data, not to mention fraud-prevention diligence! #fraudweek
Thank you to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) for the great data, not to mention fraud-prevention diligence! #fraudweek
Through their work over the years, our fraud-prevention experts have identified six common traits of scams related to change-payment requests.
Want to know what they are, and get a colorful printout as a reminder to boot? Glad you asked: https://ow.ly/9PUN50XpBZs
Want to know what they are, and get a colorful printout as a reminder to boot? Glad you asked: https://ow.ly/9PUN50XpBZs
November 18, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Through their work over the years, our fraud-prevention experts have identified six common traits of scams related to change-payment requests.
Want to know what they are, and get a colorful printout as a reminder to boot? Glad you asked: https://ow.ly/9PUN50XpBZs
Want to know what they are, and get a colorful printout as a reminder to boot? Glad you asked: https://ow.ly/9PUN50XpBZs
Statistics show social media posts with pets are 17% more likely to be read.
Now that we have your attention here’s another stat: Local governments incur an average loss of $125,000 per fraud occurrence. See our fraud-prevention resources: https://www.sao.wa.gov/resource-library/Fraud-Prevention
Now that we have your attention here’s another stat: Local governments incur an average loss of $125,000 per fraud occurrence. See our fraud-prevention resources: https://www.sao.wa.gov/resource-library/Fraud-Prevention
November 17, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Statistics show social media posts with pets are 17% more likely to be read.
Now that we have your attention here’s another stat: Local governments incur an average loss of $125,000 per fraud occurrence. See our fraud-prevention resources: https://www.sao.wa.gov/resource-library/Fraud-Prevention
Now that we have your attention here’s another stat: Local governments incur an average loss of $125,000 per fraud occurrence. See our fraud-prevention resources: https://www.sao.wa.gov/resource-library/Fraud-Prevention
This year marks the 25th year of Fraud Awareness Week, and we’re proud to represent a long-standing community of fraud fighters! As part of our efforts, we're also proud to offer great resources at no charge to local governments like this: https://ow.ly/BvlM50X8ONo
November 17, 2025 at 5:20 PM
This year marks the 25th year of Fraud Awareness Week, and we’re proud to represent a long-standing community of fraud fighters! As part of our efforts, we're also proud to offer great resources at no charge to local governments like this: https://ow.ly/BvlM50X8ONo
Fraud Awareness Weeks starts in 48 hours (ish), but we got a head start with our latest e-newsletter that’s packed with fraud prevention tips, tools and more. Read all about it and sign up to start receiving news and updates from our Office today: https://conta.cc/496YdUe
November 14, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Fraud Awareness Weeks starts in 48 hours (ish), but we got a head start with our latest e-newsletter that’s packed with fraud prevention tips, tools and more. Read all about it and sign up to start receiving news and updates from our Office today: https://conta.cc/496YdUe
Fraud Awareness Week is almost here! It’s a full week, Nov. 16-22, dedicated to raising awareness about fraud in government organizations, businesses and communities. It's also about educating people on how to prevent fraud.
See what's in store: https://ow.ly/7zsX50XputJ
See what's in store: https://ow.ly/7zsX50XputJ
November 13, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Fraud Awareness Week is almost here! It’s a full week, Nov. 16-22, dedicated to raising awareness about fraud in government organizations, businesses and communities. It's also about educating people on how to prevent fraud.
See what's in store: https://ow.ly/7zsX50XputJ
See what's in store: https://ow.ly/7zsX50XputJ
Promoting accountability and transparency in government takes hundreds of hard-working, dedicated public servants—like the SAOers we recently recognized for their milestones, achievements and certifications with our Office. Thank you for serving Washingtonians! #WeAreSAO
November 13, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Promoting accountability and transparency in government takes hundreds of hard-working, dedicated public servants—like the SAOers we recently recognized for their milestones, achievements and certifications with our Office. Thank you for serving Washingtonians! #WeAreSAO
Are you attending the Washington State Association of Counties Leaders Conference Nov. 18-20 in Spokane? If so, you won't want to miss SAO's Lean session dedicated to maximizing existing resources to boost efficiency.
Learn more about our no-charge Lean services today: https://ow.ly/9CY650XqMMS
Learn more about our no-charge Lean services today: https://ow.ly/9CY650XqMMS
November 13, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Are you attending the Washington State Association of Counties Leaders Conference Nov. 18-20 in Spokane? If so, you won't want to miss SAO's Lean session dedicated to maximizing existing resources to boost efficiency.
Learn more about our no-charge Lean services today: https://ow.ly/9CY650XqMMS
Learn more about our no-charge Lean services today: https://ow.ly/9CY650XqMMS
"I encourage all of us to take a moment to recognize the veterans in our lives – coworkers, neighbors, friends and family members. Choosing to place the needs of the nation above one’s own is no small act, and we remain grateful for those who have done so."
– State Auditor Pat McCarthy
– State Auditor Pat McCarthy
November 10, 2025 at 9:01 PM
"I encourage all of us to take a moment to recognize the veterans in our lives – coworkers, neighbors, friends and family members. Choosing to place the needs of the nation above one’s own is no small act, and we remain grateful for those who have done so."
– State Auditor Pat McCarthy
– State Auditor Pat McCarthy
How does our state do when it comes to serving the more than 140,000 students that need special education services?
Tune in to TVW Wednesday at https://ow.ly/Hiy650Xitc3 and find out as our experts present the results of our latest performance audit that examined this very question.
Tune in to TVW Wednesday at https://ow.ly/Hiy650Xitc3 and find out as our experts present the results of our latest performance audit that examined this very question.
November 3, 2025 at 8:10 PM
How does our state do when it comes to serving the more than 140,000 students that need special education services?
Tune in to TVW Wednesday at https://ow.ly/Hiy650Xitc3 and find out as our experts present the results of our latest performance audit that examined this very question.
Tune in to TVW Wednesday at https://ow.ly/Hiy650Xitc3 and find out as our experts present the results of our latest performance audit that examined this very question.
🎃SAOers from our offices around the state gathered this week to celebrate the spookiest of seasons 👻with costume contests, treats, and a cornucopia of donations to local food banks. Way to show that SAO spirit!
October 31, 2025 at 10:55 PM
🎃SAOers from our offices around the state gathered this week to celebrate the spookiest of seasons 👻with costume contests, treats, and a cornucopia of donations to local food banks. Way to show that SAO spirit!
The last day of Cybersecurity Awareness Month falls on Halloween, but it’s a great reminder not to fall for phishing scams and other schemes orchestrated by bad actors.
Visit our library of free cybersecurity resources for governments today: https://www.sao.wa.gov/resource-library/Cybersecurity
Visit our library of free cybersecurity resources for governments today: https://www.sao.wa.gov/resource-library/Cybersecurity
October 31, 2025 at 6:45 PM
The last day of Cybersecurity Awareness Month falls on Halloween, but it’s a great reminder not to fall for phishing scams and other schemes orchestrated by bad actors.
Visit our library of free cybersecurity resources for governments today: https://www.sao.wa.gov/resource-library/Cybersecurity
Visit our library of free cybersecurity resources for governments today: https://www.sao.wa.gov/resource-library/Cybersecurity
With Cybersecurity Awareness Month coming to a close, we thought we’d leave you with a handy tip sheet to print, ponder and put into practice. Read more and download it today: https://intellipaat.com/blog/cyber-security-tips-best-practices/
October 30, 2025 at 7:40 PM
With Cybersecurity Awareness Month coming to a close, we thought we’d leave you with a handy tip sheet to print, ponder and put into practice. Read more and download it today: https://intellipaat.com/blog/cyber-security-tips-best-practices/
Shout out to SAOers in Olympia for getting together earlier this week for a Halloween-theme lunch featuring a costume contest and potluck competition. (With all the great food, really, everyone was a winner!)
Staff also coordinated donations for the Thurston County Food Bank. #ScaryFunAtSAO
Staff also coordinated donations for the Thurston County Food Bank. #ScaryFunAtSAO
October 30, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Shout out to SAOers in Olympia for getting together earlier this week for a Halloween-theme lunch featuring a costume contest and potluck competition. (With all the great food, really, everyone was a winner!)
Staff also coordinated donations for the Thurston County Food Bank. #ScaryFunAtSAO
Staff also coordinated donations for the Thurston County Food Bank. #ScaryFunAtSAO
Dying to know what cemetery districts are and why they matter? Dig up more details about these little-known local governments that use taxpayer dollars with our Financial Intelligence Tool (FIT) including revenues, expenses and more: https://ow.ly/s7Wv50X18qJ
October 28, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Dying to know what cemetery districts are and why they matter? Dig up more details about these little-known local governments that use taxpayer dollars with our Financial Intelligence Tool (FIT) including revenues, expenses and more: https://ow.ly/s7Wv50X18qJ
We're coming to Central Kitsap High School Career Day, are you?
It's Wednesday, Oct. 29 from Noon - 3:30 p.m. and we'll have a friendly SAO representative on hand to talk about what our Office does, what it's like to work here, answer your questions and more. Learn more: https://ow.ly/4kxV50Xep2f
It's Wednesday, Oct. 29 from Noon - 3:30 p.m. and we'll have a friendly SAO representative on hand to talk about what our Office does, what it's like to work here, answer your questions and more. Learn more: https://ow.ly/4kxV50Xep2f
October 27, 2025 at 5:05 PM
We're coming to Central Kitsap High School Career Day, are you?
It's Wednesday, Oct. 29 from Noon - 3:30 p.m. and we'll have a friendly SAO representative on hand to talk about what our Office does, what it's like to work here, answer your questions and more. Learn more: https://ow.ly/4kxV50Xep2f
It's Wednesday, Oct. 29 from Noon - 3:30 p.m. and we'll have a friendly SAO representative on hand to talk about what our Office does, what it's like to work here, answer your questions and more. Learn more: https://ow.ly/4kxV50Xep2f
Thank you to Association of Washington Cities for hosting its RSMA annual meeting earlier this month and having SAO’s Niles Kostick and Brandi Pritchard as guest speakers!
We appreciate the chance to share resources that help local governments help the people they serve: https://ow.ly/m7RF50XhO9o
We appreciate the chance to share resources that help local governments help the people they serve: https://ow.ly/m7RF50XhO9o
October 24, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Thank you to Association of Washington Cities for hosting its RSMA annual meeting earlier this month and having SAO’s Niles Kostick and Brandi Pritchard as guest speakers!
We appreciate the chance to share resources that help local governments help the people they serve: https://ow.ly/m7RF50XhO9o
We appreciate the chance to share resources that help local governments help the people they serve: https://ow.ly/m7RF50XhO9o
As we’ve said a few times this month (a.k.a. #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth) cybersecurity is everyone’s job, so here’s a PDF with some quick tips on how you can help prevent cybercrime in your role as a local government employee: https://ow.ly/Hzlv50X5KnK
October 23, 2025 at 10:15 PM
As we’ve said a few times this month (a.k.a. #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth) cybersecurity is everyone’s job, so here’s a PDF with some quick tips on how you can help prevent cybercrime in your role as a local government employee: https://ow.ly/Hzlv50X5KnK
Our SAO ambassadors are coming to the WSU Vancouver campus this Thursday, Oct. 23 from 1 - 4 p.m. for the Career and Internship Fair. Stop by and learn what it's like to work here, including the great benefits and even greater people! Sign up today: https://ow.ly/XGOc50X31hA
October 20, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Our SAO ambassadors are coming to the WSU Vancouver campus this Thursday, Oct. 23 from 1 - 4 p.m. for the Career and Internship Fair. Stop by and learn what it's like to work here, including the great benefits and even greater people! Sign up today: https://ow.ly/XGOc50X31hA
Have SAO FOMO? Register to receive our e-newsletter and keep up with the latest news and information from our Office! Check out the latest issue and sign up today: https://conta.cc/4n1mmic
October 20, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Have SAO FOMO? Register to receive our e-newsletter and keep up with the latest news and information from our Office! Check out the latest issue and sign up today: https://conta.cc/4n1mmic
Earlier this year we surveyed more than five dozen local governments who received our free cyber checkup service, and 95% responded they’d recommend it to another local government.
Learn more about this free service from our Office today: https://www.sao.wa.gov/improving-government/becybersmart
Learn more about this free service from our Office today: https://www.sao.wa.gov/improving-government/becybersmart
October 16, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Earlier this year we surveyed more than five dozen local governments who received our free cyber checkup service, and 95% responded they’d recommend it to another local government.
Learn more about this free service from our Office today: https://www.sao.wa.gov/improving-government/becybersmart
Learn more about this free service from our Office today: https://www.sao.wa.gov/improving-government/becybersmart
See what it's like to serve the public as a member of our team during next week's UW Virtual Job and Internship Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 21 from 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Register today: https://ow.ly/JO3J50X30OV
Visit our website for more career info: https://www.sao.wa.gov/about-sao/careers-and-culture
Visit our website for more career info: https://www.sao.wa.gov/about-sao/careers-and-culture
October 15, 2025 at 4:25 PM
See what it's like to serve the public as a member of our team during next week's UW Virtual Job and Internship Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 21 from 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Register today: https://ow.ly/JO3J50X30OV
Visit our website for more career info: https://www.sao.wa.gov/about-sao/careers-and-culture
Visit our website for more career info: https://www.sao.wa.gov/about-sao/careers-and-culture
WE'RE HIRING. Explore job opportunities with our Office as we work to serve the public through our independent and objective audits of governments throughout the state: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/sao
October 13, 2025 at 7:20 PM
WE'RE HIRING. Explore job opportunities with our Office as we work to serve the public through our independent and objective audits of governments throughout the state: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/sao
Governments face many risks when it comes to their data, which is where a strong backup and recovery plan can help when needed. Download our resource today and learn three things organizations can do right now to improve their cyber posture: https://ow.ly/iJam50WVoly
#CybersecurityAwarenessMonth
#CybersecurityAwarenessMonth
October 10, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Governments face many risks when it comes to their data, which is where a strong backup and recovery plan can help when needed. Download our resource today and learn three things organizations can do right now to improve their cyber posture: https://ow.ly/iJam50WVoly
#CybersecurityAwarenessMonth
#CybersecurityAwarenessMonth
Shout out to our extraordinary SAO ambassadors like Juan Berber, pictured here, who devote time to connecting with students and other career seekers at recruiting events across the state.
Learn more about starting a career here: www.sao.wa.gov/about-sao/ca...
Learn more about starting a career here: www.sao.wa.gov/about-sao/ca...
October 9, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Shout out to our extraordinary SAO ambassadors like Juan Berber, pictured here, who devote time to connecting with students and other career seekers at recruiting events across the state.
Learn more about starting a career here: www.sao.wa.gov/about-sao/ca...
Learn more about starting a career here: www.sao.wa.gov/about-sao/ca...