This article explains what happens when fraud or misuse of funds occurs.
Odyssey has a zero-tolerance policy for fraud and misuse of program funds. If there is suspected fraud or misuse of program funds, the suspected account will immediately be placed on hold so no further funds can be spent, and Odyssey will conduct an investigation. If it is determined that the parent engaged in fraudulent activity or misuse of program funds, the entire household will be removed from the program, barred from future participation, and the account owner will be reported to the Utah Attorney General.
Examples of Fraudulent Activity and Misuse of Funds
Claiming the same receipt multiple times for one or more students. A single expense can only be applied to a single student one time.
Claiming an expense for a purchase not used in the education of the assigned student.
Using program funds to purchase gifts for friends, family, or any person other than the scholarship awardee.
Allowing a non-scholarship awardee to use the scholarship account to claim spending.
Creating fake or doctored receipts for an expense that did not occur.
Reselling items purchased with scholarship funds rather than using them for the education of the assigned scholarship student.
Using scholarship funds to directly pay the parent or guardian for the education of a scholarship student.
Receiving a direct refund from a merchant after purchasing on the marketplace or being reimbursed for the scholarship expense.
Altering or falsifying receipts or invoices to make an ineligible expense appear eligible.
Consequences of Fraud Conviction
If you are convicted of fraud under §53F-6-402(7)(e):
The household account will forfeit all scholarship funds.
The household will become permanently ineligible from the program.
The account owner will be reported to the Utah Attorney General.
Repayment Requirements
Parents will be required to repay unapproved and misused expenditures.