Customs And Border Protection
For questions and information regarding the U.S. Customs and Border Protection , please call the CBP INFO Center. The Center is open Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. EDT. You can ask your question via email or by calling 1-877-CBP-5511.
If you are outside the U.S. you must call 202-325-8000 or click here for additional information:
Telecommunications device for the hearing impaired: 1-800-877-8339 or
How To Report Lifeline Assistance Fraud Abuse And Waste
Lifeline is under attack by people who dont understand how much people need this outstanding program. But the simple fact is, if you support Lifeline you need to pitch in and save it by reporting any fraud, abuse and waste you see.
NOTE: Now that the Affordable Connectivity Program has been added on top of the old faithful Lifeline Assistance program, benefits are greater than ever. Its now possible to get unlimited talk, unlimited text, and unlimited internet. As a result, the incentives to commit fraud are greater than ever. Its up to you to report any fraud, waste and abuse you see.
Fact is, no one supports Lifeline more vigorously than we do. We get emails every day from needy people who need help in these tough economic times and we understand better than most that Lifeline gives them exactly the boost they need. Without it, millions of people would have no phone either landline or mobile to use for all the things the rest of us take for advantage. Thanks to Lifeline, they can now use their phone to make and receive calls from potential employers, keep in touch with family, and have around for emergencies.
So if you know of someone who lied about their eligibility on their Lifeline application, or if you know of a company or company agent that committed fraud in their sign-up process, please report them.
How To Report Fraud In A Twc Program
The Texas Workforce Commission is authorized by the Texas Labor Code to investigate allegations of fraud, waste, and program abuse involving TWC programs. See TWC Programs, Definitions and Examples of Reportable Violations for examples.
To report suspected fraud, waste, or abuse involving TWC programs, that is not related to identity theft, use one of the following methods:
- TWCs secure online fraud portal Submit documents or upload a brief summary document describing the alleged program fraud.
- [email protected] Use only if unable to submit using the online portal. Submit a brief summary describing the alleged fraud. Do not use to report identity theft. See Warning, below.
- Fraud Hotline at 800-252-3642 Use only to submit an anonymous report. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Information must be specific as possible. Do not use to report identity theft.
You may also report suspected fraud, waste and abuse involving state resources directly to the State Auditor’s Office . You may contact the SAO through the SAO Hotline website or by calling the SAO Hotline at 800-TX-AUDIT 800-892-8348.
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How To Follow Up
After submitting an allegation, it is assigned a unique control number. Please provide this control number when contacting FraudNet about the status of your submission. If you have additional information about a previously submitted complaint, please submit a new allegation and include the control number of the related complaint in your submission.
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Report Scams To The Federal Government
You can report scams to the federal government. Your report may keep others from experiencing a scam. Government agencies use reports of scams to track scam patterns. They may even take legal action against a company or industry based on the reports. However, agencies usually dont follow up after you report, and cant recover lost money.
Do not use the agency contact information included in scam messages. Use contact information in the federal agency directory to report other government imposters.
Report Disaster and Emergency Scams
Report coronavirus scams and other scams about disasters and emergencies.
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Use the National Center for Disaster Frauds web complaint form or call .
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Find more information on identifying and reporting coronavirus scams.
Report Most Common Scams
The Federal Trade Commission is the main agency that collects scam reports. Report the scam to the FTC online, or by phone at . The FTC accepts complaints about most scams, including these popular ones:
- Demands for you to send money
- Student loan or scholarship scams
- Prize, grants, and sweepstakes offers
The FTC also collects reports of identity theft. Report identity theft online at IdentityTheft.gov or by phone at .
Report Online and International Scams
Report IRS or Social Security Imposter Scams
Scammers often pretend to work for the Social Security Administration or Internal Revenue Service . Common signs include:
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To Emergency Rental Assistance And Other Program Applicants Receiving Benefits From States The District Of Columbia Local Governments Us Territories Tribes Tribally Designated Housing Entities Or The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands :
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If you believe that you have been the victim of fraud, as applicable, you should file a police report with your State, Local, Tribal, Territorial or DC law enforcement agency with primary law enforcement jurisdiction. This is usually the same agency that responds to 911 calls. Many State Attorney Generals Offices also investigate fraud.
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Treasury OIG will assist State, Local, Territorial, Tribal and DC law enforcement agencies, as needed.
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You should also report fraud to the local agency responsible for disbursing Rental Assistance funds or the District of Columbia, Tribe, TDHE, DHHL, State, Local government, or Territorial Agency that oversees the program.
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For additional information and resources, you may visit the Emergency Rental Assistance Program page located at .
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To find rental assistance, you may visit the Find Rental Assistance page located at .
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Complaints About Police Officers
If you have experienced police misconduct:
- Contact the law enforcement agency involved.
- Submit your complaint in writing to the chief of police or the head of the law enforcement agency involved.
- Send a copy of your complaint to the Internal Affairs Division of the law enforcement agency. Be sure to keep a copy for yourself.
If the problem remains unresolved, learn how to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.
Finally, as with any potential legal dispute, you may want to contact a licensed attorney.
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Fraud Alert: National Elder Fraud Hotline Impersonation Scams
The National Elder Fraud Hotline has received reports that the Hotline’s name and phone number are being used as part of a scam.
These scammers falsely represent themselves as Hotline staff and attempt to obtain personal information or money through threats, including a claim that the caller is filing a suit against the call recipient.
We encourage the public to remain vigilant and do not provide personal identifiable information , such as a social security number, or money in response to these false claims.
If you have received a scam phone call, email, or message, you may report it to the Federal Trade Commission online or by calling 877FTCHELP . After reporting the incident to the FTC, please contact the Hotline at 833-372-8311 so we can track the frequency with which this scam is happening.
How To Report Unemployment Benefits Identity Theft
Unemployment benefits identity theft is a serious problems that can potentially delay out-of-work Texans from getting the benefits they need and betray the taxpayers of Texas. Fortunately, TWC has strong protections to identify, track, and lock down ID theft attempts, protecting Texas workers and the integrity of the Texas unemployment system. In most cases, we stop the fraud before a single dollar in benefits is paid out. If you have information that an unemployment claim was filed using a stolen identity, you should report the ID theft claim on TWC’s online fraud portal.
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Report Scams To Third Parties
You may want to report the scam to organizations outside of the government. Third parties may be able to get your money back or remove fraudulent charges.
Report a scam that happened with an online seller or a payment transfer system to the companys fraud department.
If you used your credit card or bank account to pay a scammer, report it to the card issuer or bank. Also report scams to the major credit reporting agencies. Place a fraud alert on your credit report to prevent someone from opening credit accounts in your name.
Submit A Hotline Complaint
OIG Hotline Operations accepts tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services programs. Every report we receive is important, however, not every submission results in an investigation. Due to the high volume of complaints we receive, it is not possible to contact every complainant. However, Hotline tips are incredibly valuable, and we appreciate your efforts to help us stamp out fraud, waste, and abuse.
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Reporting Medicare Fraud & Abuse
Medicare fraud and abuse can happen anywhere, and usually results in higher health care costs and taxes for everyone. Some examples include:
- A provider that bills Medicare for services or supplies they never gave you, like charging you for a visit you never had, or a back brace you never got.
- A provider that charges Medicare twice for a service or item that you only got once.
- A person who steals your Medicare number or card and uses it to submit fraudulent claims in your name.
- A company that offers you a Medicare drug plan that Medicare hasnt approved.
Remember:
What Happens After I File A Welfare Fraud Complaint Report
Washington State Welfare Fraud Hotline: 1-800-562-6906
OFA investigates Welfare Fraud in the state of Washington. The word Welfare is used to include: Public Assistance programs and benefits food stamps Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Quest card, which is used for Electronic Benefits Transfer and Childcare benefits.
For additional questions or if you are Law Enforcement, you can leave a message, and your call will be returned within 24 hours at 360-664-5505.
Connect with DSHS
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Bomb Threats By Telephone
If you receive a bomb threat over the telephone, Ready.gov provides the following information on what to do:
- Get as much information from the caller as possible. Try to ask the following questions:
- When is the bomb going to explode?
- Where is it right now?
- What does it look like?
- What kind of bomb is it?
- What will cause it to explode?
- Did you place the bomb?
The Department of Homeland Security also provides a helpful telephone bomb threat checklist.
Get more information on what to do if you receive a bomb threat or find a suspicious item.
You Can Help Fight Fraudulent Activity
Every year, hundreds of billions of dollars are distributed in the form of federal grants to universities, local governments, organizations and individuals.
The vast majority of these funds are spent as intended, but misuse, deceit and abuse are nonetheless present. As a result, hundreds of thousand dollars go to waste.
Fraudulent behavior can take the form of embezzlement, theft, bribery or false claims and statements. Such violations of federal law are difficult to flag without the help of individuals inside the grant community.
Learn how you can help to stop fraudulent behavior and, thus, strengthen the integrity of the federal grant system and increase the overall efficiency of the government.
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Every Tip Is Important To Us
Receiving benefits inappropriately affects all of us and can result in people who need help not receiving the funds they need. We need your help to ensure our assistance programs are properly utilized and that funds go to those who need our help. If you suspect someone is receiving benefits in error or has defrauded the program, please contact us at the contact information below.
How Do I Report Welfare Fraud In Washington State
You may report fraud using any one of the following methods:
- Online Office of Fraud and Accountability
- Mail: DSHS Welfare Fraud
- Phone: 1-800-562-6906 Welfare Fraud Hotline
- FAX: 1-360-664-0032, Attention: HOTLINE
Washington State Welfare Fraud Hotline: 1-800-562-6906
OFA investigates Welfare Fraud in the state of Washington. The word Welfare is used to include: Public Assistance programs and benefits food stamps Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Quest card, which is used for Electronic Benefits Transfer and Childcare benefits.
For additional questions or if you are Law Enforcement, you can leave a message, and your call will be returned within 24 hours at 360-664-5505.
Connect with DSHS
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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 .
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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Get Help After A Sexual Assault
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Contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline anytime at 1-800-656-HOPE . They will connect you anonymously with a counselor at your nearest rape treatment center.
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Find state domestic violence resources online.
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Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline anytime at 1-800-799-SAFE . You can talk confidentially with an advocate or find local resources.
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Contact the Loveisrespect hotline if you or someone you know is a victim of teen dating violence. Reach a love is respect advocate anytime by phone at , by texting loveis to 22522, or by chat online.
What Happens After You File A Report
The information you provide is passed to the CSSIU for assessment to determine what action, if any, is required. Substantiated instances of fraud could result in:
- repayments of assistance for which the person is not eligible
- reduced assistance payments
- a fraud charge under the Income and Employment Support Act or the Criminal Code of Canada
Because of strict privacy laws, the ministry is not able to share information about the progress or outcome of the investigation. The confidentiality of the person involved is protected.
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How Do I Report Immigration Fraud
Call the Canada Border Services Agency Border Watch Toll-Free Line at 1-888-502-9060 to report:
- suspicious activity at the border
- a marriage of convenience
- a person who has given false information on any immigration application or
- a person wanted on an immigration warrant
What you tell the tip line is private. Your identity stays protected.
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Measures You Can Take To Prevent Identity Theft
Identity theft happens when a person illegally uses your personal information to commit fraud. Someone illegally using your SSN and assuming your identity can cause a lot of problems. But there are several things you should do to prevent identity theft:
- Do not routinely carry your SSN.
- Never say your SSN aloud in public.
- Beware of phishing scams trying to trick you into revealing personal information.
- Create a personal account to help you keep track of your records and identify any suspicious activity.
- Consider adding these blocks to your account with us:
- The eServices block This prevents anyone, including you, from seeing or changing your personal information on the internet. Once we add the block, you or your representative will need to contact your local office to request removal of the block.
- The Direct Deposit Fraud Prevention block This prevents anyone, including you, from enrolling in direct deposit or changing your address or direct deposit information through or a financial institution . Once we add the block, you or your representative will need to contact your local office to request removal of the block. You will need to do the same to make any future changes to direct deposit or contact information.
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Reporting Fraud Abuse Or Misuse
Service Canada takes abuse of the programs it delivers very seriously. When an individual or business receives benefits by providing false or misleading information, the integrity of the programs we deliver is jeopardized.
Reporting someone who may be committing benefit fraud, helps us protect your contributions to the Employment Insurance program and the Canada Pension Plan .
When you report abuse or misuse of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program , you are also helping to protect the integrity of TFWP and the Canadian labour market. Protecting your identity is another way you can help prevent fraud. If you know about someone who may be using a false identity or a false Social Insurance Number , let us know right away.
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