When you suspect illegal activity, which action should you take first?

• A. Contact the compliance officer.
• B. Stop submitting problematic bills.
• C. Seek legal counsel.
• D. Disentangle yourself from problematic relationships.

Answer: (A)

When you suspect illegal activity, your first action is to report it to the organization’s compliance officer. The compliance function is responsible for receiving concerns, assessing them, and guiding the proper investigative process according to policy and law. Reporting up front helps protect you, preserves evidence, and ensures the issue is handled through formal channels rather than ad hoc actions. Taking actions like halting bill submissions on your own or prematurely seeking legal counsel can disrupt processes or expose you to unnecessary risk; these steps are important later, after the compliance team has been alerted and can direct the appropriate course. Disengaging from relationships or people involved is not the proper first step and can hinder a correct resolution.