Stigmata

The stigma of whistleblowing hits hard.  As a young accountant in school I always knew that there were enormous responsibilities pertaining to the security of money.  I was not prepared to understand that this also included information.  Thejournal entries and financial statements were the substance of the field but with the passage of Sarbanes Oxley and it’s brainstorming requirement, secure information could drive the brainstorming in the right direction.  As far as my fraud studies go, I have read some books on the topic to learn that fraud not only hits hard at home, that it can come from the most unexpected sources.  Individuals that have been with a company for 3 years and are impeccable perpetrate frauds that bankrupt companies before it is too late.  That can mean a less favorable future for those in the small town that are employed by the company.  Now, everything has changed in the future for the family.  It hits home unpredictably in such a manner.  One reason anonymity in whistle blowing is so important is the ability to minimize stigma associated with the act of whistleblowing, making a more responsible and educated community along with security for a whistleblower that emerge as a whole effectively and in order.  So remember to say thanks to your fraud fighters in your community and give them your support because it is greatly appreciated and welcome.  

Further on the topic is the need to make sure whistle blowers have support.  Forfeiting a career, in my opinion is not an attractive result to blowing the whistle.  All this does is make the whistle blower more vulnerable by potentially placing them in poverty and open to attacks from groups that may be angry about the exposure of the crime in question.  So... if you are aware of a whistle blower that can use a hand, be a hero too and help them out.  They will appreciate it.