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Government & Accountability
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Waste, Fraud & Oversight
Explainer

Fraud, Waste, Improper Payments & Questioned Costs Are Not the Same Thing

Oversight terms such as fraud, improper payment, questioned cost and waste describe different kinds of findings.

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What This Graphic Shows

The graphic distinguishes legal or investigative fraud findings from improper payments, questioned costs and broader waste terminology used by oversight bodies.

Key Takeaway

Do not treat every questionable dollar as proven fraud.

Verification Status:

Verified — Current

Last Verified:

September 20, 2026

Sources

Review the sources used to support this visual.

Ohio Common Ground Research Center

Where Did the Money Go? Fraud, Waste and Improper Payments, 2001–2026

July 29, 2026
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