Report Fraud Waste Or Abuse Of Government Funds Or Property To The Oig
To report suspected wrongdoing, please provide as much information as possible. For instance:
- Identify the city, town, agency or other public entity involved.
- Provide the name of individual involved, with their positions or titles.
- Explain the issue or concern in as much detail as possible, including the nature, location, scope and timeframe of the suspected wrongdoing.
- Provide us with information about other individuals who may have relevant information or documents, as well as their contact information.
Include copies of any related documents, photos or videos, which you can upload with this form or send to our office via or mail.
We will keep your identity confidential to the extent possible. In some cases it may be necessary to share your complaint if we need to refer the matter to a more suitable agency or work with another agency to investigate your complaint. Even so, your name will not be disclosed without your written consent. You will receive advanced notice from our office in the rare instance that we cannot avoid disclosure. Under Massachusetts law, all OIG records – including your tips and complaints – are confidential and exempt from the Public Records Law.
If you report suspected illegal activity, state whistleblower laws may protect your identity and also may protect you from an employer’s retaliation or intimidation.
What Is Fraud Waste And Abuse
Fraud is any intentional deception or misrepresentation made by a person with the knowledge that the deception could result in some unauthorized benefit to himself, herself or some other person. It includes any act that constitutes fraud under applicable federal or state law.
Waste involves the taxpayers not receiving reasonable value for money in connection with any government funded activities due to inappropriate act or omission by player with control over, or access to, government resources.
Abuse is any provider practices that are inconsistent with sound fiscal, business, or medical practices, and result either in an unnecessary cost to the federally-funded programs or in reimbursement for services that are not medically necessary or provider practices that fail to meet professionally recognized standards for health care. It also includes recipient practices that result in unnecessary cost to the federally funded programs.
Learn more about Payment Integrity .
Lnea Directa De Comunicacin Del Oig Seccin De Operaciones
Contactar la línea directa de comunicación del OIG es tan fácil. La línea directa de comunicación del OIG acepta la información y quejas de todas las fuentes sobre la posibilidad de fraude, despilfarro, abuso ó mala administración dentro de los programas del Departamento Estadounidense de Salud & Servicios Humanos .
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Members Of The Public Filing A Confidential Complaint
Complainants who are not Treasury employees do not have an automatic right to confidentiality under Section 7 of the IG Act. Treasury OIG will protect the identity of non-Treasury complainants to the maximum extent allowed by law and only release information to those officials who have a need to know.
How To Report Fraud Online
Please Note: Due to the Coronavirus pandemic and recommendations to practice social distancing, FraudNet staff are working remotely. As a result, we discourage submission of concerns via regular mail as this may cause a delay in our response. We strongly encourage you to submit your concern online so we may provide a more timely response and continue to serve the public.
Standard You do not place any restrictions on the release of your contact information. If necessary, we may contact you for more information about your submission.Submitting allegations online through our website form is the preferred method. You have 3 filing preferences to choose from when submitting an allegation through our website:
Confidential We will keep your name confidential and will not release your contact information. If necessary, we may contact you for more information about your submission.
Anonymous You can remain anonymous and not provide your contact information. When selecting this option, there will be no way to contact you for more information about your submission.
We cannot accept classified information or files larger than 500mb when reporting allegations through our websiteplease call our hotline if you need to do so.
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Better Tools Brighter Future
Protecting taxpayers against such losses is of course one of the governments primary responsibilities, but the survey suggests that competing priorities and a lack of up-to-date technology are often the culprits when the system fails. In the area of search technology, for example, there are many tools available that can provide more reliable background screening for potential government vendors and contractors. Unfortunately, budget constraints and a lack of training often mean that vendor screening isnt nearly as thorough as it could be .
Though the survey focuses on current measures and resources, it also asks government employees on the front lines to evaluate their level of preparedness for the future, as well as their expectations about the potential for fraud, waste, and abuse in their departments, given the resources at their disposal. Results were mixed in this area, as roughly one-third of respondents predicted the prevalence of fraud, waste, and abuse would increase in the next two years, while more than half said they felt it would stay the same. At the county level, however, fully 50% of respondents said they felt that instances of fraud, waste, and abuse would increase over the next two years.
A Getting Started Guide To Detect And Prevent Fraud
The US Government Accountability Office estimates that improper payments in government programs totaled $175 billion in 2019. Much of this fraud and waste occurs within unemployment insurance, Medicare and Medicaid, and social security programs. Fraud is also common in purchasing cards and travel and entertainment expenses.
But data analytics technology, specifically built for fraud detection, is proven to reduce instances of fraud, waste, and abuse.
In this eBook, youll learn how data analysis can solve the fraud problem and well:
- Investigate the key features you need in a data analytics tool.
- Present five other technology solutions for combating fraud, waste, and abuse, including risk and controls and whistle-blower hotlines.
- Detail how data analytics can identify fraud in P-Cards, T& E, and government programs.
- Outline the necessary steps to create an effective fraud monitoring program.
Get access now!
LIVE WEBINAR | APRIL 1, 2019 | 10:30 AM EST
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Top 10 Examples Of Government Waste
Select a Section 1/0
President George W. Bush has proposed terminating or strongly reducing the budgets of over 150 inefficient or ineffective programs. This is a step in the right direction to pare back the runaway spending that has pushed the budget deficit over $400 billion. In less than three years, the first baby boomers will begin to collect Social Security: Lawmakers must therefore begin to reduce spending now to make room for the massive Social Security and Medicare costs that will follow.
The first place to trim runaway federal spending is in waste, fraud, and abuse. Congress, however, has largely abandoned its constitutional duty of overseeing the executive branch and has steadfastly refused to address the waste littered across government programs. In 2003, an attempt by House Budget Committee Chairman Jim Nussle to address wasteful spending was rejected by the House of Representatives, and similar calls in 2004 by then-Senate Budget Committee Chairman Don Nickles were rejected by the Senate. A small group of House lawmakers has formed the Washington Waste Watchers, but their agenda has not been embraced by the whole House.
Lack of information is not the problem. Today, government waste investigations and recommendations can be found in hundreds of reports, such as:
1. The Missing $25 Billion
The unreconciled $25 billion could have funded the entire Department of Justice for an entire year.
2. Unused Flight Tickets Totaling $100 Million
5. Medicare Overspending
File A Fraud Waste And/or Abuse Complaint
24/7 Fraud, Waste, and Abuse HotlineOnline: www.bart.gov/OIGhotline 510-464-6100
When reporting online, you will be prompted to create a pin unique to your case. Be sure to keep your pin in a safe place as it cannot be retrieved. The system will generate a case number, which you should also keep with your pin. Later, you can use your pin and the case number to check on the status of your complaint.
In Person: 2150 Webster Street, 4th Floor, Oakland CA 94612 Please contact us at 510-464-6132 or to make an appointment and/or drop off documentation.
You may submit your complaint anonymously. However, we encourage you to provide contact information so that we may follow up if we need more information to complete our investigation. The OIG is dedicated to maintaining the confidentiality of complainants. In only limited circumstances must we disclose a complainants name, such as for an investigation that leads to criminal prosecution where the complainant may need to be called as a witness. Most cases do not require disclosure of the complainants name.
Every individual regardless of religion, race, immigration or documentation status, or national origin is safe to seek and obtain assistance from the OIG. You may file a complaint if you are not a citizen and regardless of your immigration status.
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Report Government Fraud Waste Or Abuse
We are dedicated to providing our citizens responsible government, characterized by integrity and accountability. We are committed to eliminating fraud, waste and abuse and maintaining a highly ethical environment. Internal Audit is committed to improve accountability within General Government and Schools which includes investigating allegations of fraud, waste and abuse. Read the County Managers memo on fraud reporting.
Definition
As used in the Code of Virginia at Section 15.2-2511.2 :
Abuse means the excessive or improper use of something, or the employment of something in a manner contrary to the natural or legal rules for its use the intentional destruction, diversion, manipulation, misapplication, maltreatment, or misuse of resources owned or operated by the locality or extravagant or excessive use so as to abuse ones position or authority.
Fraud means the intentional deception perpetrated by an individual or individuals, or an organization or organizations, either internal or external to local government, that could result in a tangible or intangible benefit to themselves, others, or the locality or could cause detriment to others or the locality. Fraud includes a false representation of a matter of fact, whether by words or by conduct, by false or misleading statements, or by concealment of that which should have been disclosed, which deceives and is intended to deceive.
BE REASONABLY CERTAIN OF ALLEGATIONS:
Filing A Confidential Complaint
You may request your complaint be handled confidentially if you believe disclosing your identity may create a hardship or place you in danger. If you elect confidentiality, it is suggested that you provide us with as much contact information as you are comfortable with, in the event we need additional details.
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Report Fraud Waste And/or Abuse
City of Houston Hotline
The Office of the City Controller has established a confidential reporting tool to provide City of Houston employees, contractors, and community members with a method for reporting suspected fraud, waste, or abuse in City government.
The hotline is designated for reports of possible violations of the City of Houstons Code of Ethics, policies and procedures, or standards by City officials, City employees, Departments of the City or vendors doing business with the City. If your concern does not involve City employees, City Departments or vendors doing busines with the City please consider contacting local law enforcement or another appropriate entity.
The hotline is not a substitute for the Citys established processes for addressing employment-related issues, such as discrimination, harassment, or personnel matters.
How to Report Fraud Waste or Abuse
- Call the Controller’s Office Hotline — 832.393.3542, or Complete the Fraud Waste or Abuse Report
Government Fraud Waste And Abuse Study
At the level of state and local government, a staffs ability to detect and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse is largely dependent upon the resources available to them. In the year 2020, those resources were stretched to the limit when more than $4 trillion in federal and state COVID-19 relief funds had to be distributed in record time an effort that may continue well into 2021.
Do government officials have the resources they need to combat fraudsters intent on exploiting COVID-19 relief programs? And are they able to stay on top of their other responsibilities as well?
In Thomson Reuters second annual Government Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Survey, we surveyed more than 100 state and local agency officials to find out if they have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively. Survey respondents included appraisers, attorneys, investigators, and administrators working in a variety of departments, including tax and revenue, health/human services, labor/employment, and child support.
The new survey specifically covers the challenges presented by COVID-19 relief efforts, as well as the difficulties of maintaining regular services during the pandemic. The report also discusses measures that could be taken to improve fraud-prevention efforts in agencies and departments where resources are perceived as limited or insufficient.
To download a copy of the report, fill out the form.
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Register now for the upcoming webinar, or download the eBook, or look at the product sheet, or schedule a demoetc.
LIVE WEBINAR | APRIL 1, 2019 | 10:30 AM EST
What Is Considered Fraud Waste Or Abuse
Fraud is defined as the wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain. Fraud includes false representation of fact, making false statements, or by concealment of information.
Waste is defined as the thoughtless or careless expenditure, mismanagement, or abuse of resources to the detriment of the U.S. government. Waste also includes incurring unnecessary costs resulting from inefficient or ineffective practices, systems, or controls.
Abuse is defined as excessive or improper use of a thing, or to use something in a manner contrary to the natural or legal rules for its use. Abuse can occur in financial or non-financial settings.
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What To Expect After Submitting A Hotline Complaint
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We cannot provide information regarding what action have been taken on any allegation reported to our office, including case status.
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Federal regulations prohibit the disclosure of information contained in law enforcement records even to the individual submitting the allegation.
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Unless you are contacted directly by one of our investigators, there will be no communication from our office, outside of correspondence which may advise you that your matter has been referred to another entity if your submitted allegations do not fall under the jurisdiction or cognizance of this Office.
Report Waste Fraud And Abuse
When reporting waste, fraud, abuse, or mismanagement to the OIG, you may remain anonymous if you wish. However, you are encouraged to identify yourself so that we may follow-up on your call, if necessary, and obtain additional information that will aid us in our investigation. If you give your name, your identity will be protected to the maximum extent allowed by law. It is impermissible for a government employer to retaliate against an employee for reporting information to the OIG. If you believe that by making a report to the OIG you may be at risk of reprisal, inform the OIG of this fact.
When reporting information to the OIG, be as specific and provide as much detail as possible the who, what, where, when, and why of the matter. The more information you provide, the more thorough any OIG investigation can be. If possible, indicate:
- the specific nature of the wrongful or inappropriate act
- the name of person who committed the act
- the place where the person works
- the date and time the act occurred
- the place where the act occurred
- the reason you believe the act is wrongful or inappropriate and
- the name, telephone number, and address of any person who can corroborate or supplement your information.
Any relevant information or knowledge you acquire after making a report to the OIG should also be reported in follow-up calls.
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What Types Of Activity Should I Report To Treasury Oig
Treasury OIG is responsible for investigating matters related to Treasury employees, programs, contracts, grants, loans, funds, or its bureaus with the exception of the Internal Revenue Service . Matters related to the IRS should be filed with the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration . The following types of violations should be reported to our office:
Challenges Priorities & Trade
The survey revealed several themes common to agencies around the country, the most concerning of which is that few people in government believe they are fully prepared and even capable of preventing fraud before it happens. Further, front-line personnel are only slightly more confident in their ability to investigate perpetrators after the fact.
Thats not to say that state and county governments arent prepared, or that they dont have the necessary protocols in place to prevent criminal activity. They are, and they do theyre just not as prepared as theyd like to be, or know they could be given the proper resources, according to their survey responses. In stark statistical terms, the report illuminates the trade-offs many state and local government agencies make between the limited resources available to them to prevent and investigate fraud, waste, and abuse, and the results they must accept given the practical limitations of their department.
For example, keeping current with technology and managing tight budgets were cited by survey respondents as the top two challenges facing state and county government agencies, followed by the loss of institutional knowledge as older workers retire, and the difficulty in recruiting and training new hires. These and other factors led 44% of survey respondents to reveal that, in their opinion, they did not have the resources needed for effective fraud prevention.
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