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Yuma County finance officials detail fraud-prevention steps after statewide treasurer scandal
Summary
County officials outlined strengthened controls, staff training and new procedures — and described a recent scam averted by payroll staff — as Arizona law gives auditors read-only bank access.
YUMA — Yuma County officials on Sept. 15 described a series of administrative and technical steps intended to protect public money after a multiyear embezzlement case in another Arizona county prompted statewide reforms. Chief Financial Officer Humberto del Castillo and County Treasurer David Alexander told the Board of Supervisors the county has tightened internal controls, improved cross‑department oversight and is rolling out employee training and whistleblower tools.
The presentation began with an example of a fraud attempt the county stopped. “This looks suspicious,” CFO Humberto del Castillo said crediting payroll employee Carmen Anderson for pausing and calling to verify a purported direct‑deposit change that arrived via email and fax. After the callback, staff confirmed the request was fraudulent and the payroll deposit was not sent to the bogus account.
Why it matters: Arizona lawmakers passed HB2368 to increase fiscal transparency after the Santa Cruz County treasurer’s multi‑year theft came to…
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