About Us
What is Investigations and Audit Support?
The Investigations and Audit Support (IAS) team's mission is to improve the accountability of government by investigating allegations of impropriety and illegal acts affecting state resources.
IAS consists of experienced professional investigators including:
- Certified Fraud Examiners
- Digital Forensics Examiners
- Certified Forensics Interviewers
- Investigative Researchers
- Investigative Analysts
- Certified Government Auditing Professionals
Depending on the type of fraud complaints received, IAS may coordinate investigative work with the following entities:
- Internal auditors and/or investigative groups
- State and/or Federal prosecutors
- Law enforcement agencies at the city, county, state, and/or federal levels
What types of crimes does the Investigations and Audit Support team investigate?
Alleged criminal offenses investigated by IAS include, but are not limited to:
- Theft
- Forgery
- Tampering with governmental record
- Securing execution of document by deception
- Misapplication of fiduciary property
- Conversion of funds
- Gift to public servant by a person subject to his or her jurisdiction
- Breach of computer security
- Organized crime
- Money laundering
Section 31.03 of the Texas Penal Code increases penalties for thefts committed by public servants. Specifically, if the person committing the theft is defined as a public servant at the time of the offense, and if the stolen property came into the person's possession by virtue of his or her position, the punishment increases to the next highest category.
SAO Legal Authority
Pursuant to Chapter 321 of the Texas Government Code, the State Auditor's Office is authorized to investigate specific acts or allegations of impropriety, malfeasance, or nonfeasance in the obligation, expenditure, receipt, or use of state funds associated with state agencies, colleges, or universities.
How to Report Fraud and Abuse
By Phone:
SAO HOTLINE
1-800-TX-AUDIT
1-800-892-8348
By Mail:
State Auditor's Office
Attn: IAS
P.O. Box 12067
Austin, TX 78711
All reports of fraud, waste, and abuse may be subject to the Public Information Act. However, callers may choose to remain anonymous. When reporting fraud or abuse, please provide as much detail as possible so that appropriate action can be taken.
Careers at the SAO
Click here for all job openings at the State Auditor's Office.
