You have just opened your own printing business. A large sports franchise is beginning an important advertising campaign in order to attract more fans to the sport. The purchasing officer of the company calls and asks you to make a bid on printing 5,000 high-quality posters that are to be given out to important boosters. He asks you to come by his office to talk about the job. There, he tells you that he would like to help you get started in your new business. He says that he has already asked for bids, and the lowest is for $25,000. He continues by suggesting that you come in with a bid for $24,000 and give him $500 in cash so that you get the bid. Your immediate reaction is to be flattered because you know that this could lead to many more contracts. You go back to your office and calculate your costs. You are pleased to see that you will make about $6,000 on the project, which you really need.

Required:

Is the deal suggested by the purchasing officer fraud? Explain.