Reporting Fraud in the Program


CHA is committed to protecting program integrity and ensuring that benefits are received only by eligible families and participating Property Owners in accordance with program regulations. If you have reason to believe that any fraudulent activity is taking place in connection with Chicago’s Housing Choice Voucher Program, please report the matter promptly to CHA.

What Constitutes Fraud?

Fraud involves false statements, omissions, or actions made with the intent to deceive or mislead, resulting in the misuse of funds ,program rule violation, or circumvented rules. Fraud in the Housing Choice Voucher Program can be committed by Property Owners or Voucher Holders participating in the program, as well as by CHA employees or CHA subcontractors who help administer the program.

Examples of Property Owner Fraud Include:

  • Offering bribes to CHA or HCVP employees or CHA subcontractors
  • Accepting HAP payments for properties that he or she does not own or represent as the legal agent
  • Accepting HAP payments for vacant apartments/homes
  • Requesting rent payments from tenants in excess of the amount stated in the lease
  • Renting to relatives without prior approval from HCVP

Examples of Voucher Holder Fraud Include:

  • Not reporting income or total amount of income
  • Subletting the subsidized apartment/home
  • Having unauthorized persons living in the apartment/home
  • Having a voucher from CHA and another agency/owner

Examples of CHA Employee Fraud Include:

  • Omitting known income from a re-certification or interim in order to provide a lower rent to a friend/relative/individual participating in the program
  • Turning in a completed inspection report without having actually inspected the apartment/home
  • Receiving money from an owner/applicant/participant for processing any task related to the voucher program

Violent Crime is Not Fraud

Violent criminal activity, such as drug trafficking, is not fraud, and should be reported to the police, then to the owner, if applicable. HCVP should be notified only after the police have investigated the allegation(s) and there is public record of a criminal offense. Once these measures have been taken, HCVP will take the appropriate steps in accordance with program rules and regulations.

How to Report Housing Fraud

There are three ways to report suspected fraud.
  1. Call the HCVP toll free Fraud Hotline at 1-800-533-0441
  2. Fax the information to CHA at (312)-786-3663—Attn: HCVP Fraud
  3. Mail the report forms to: Chicago Housing Choice Voucher Program

Attn: HCV Fraud
60 E. Van Buren St., 10th Floor
Chicago, IL 60605

For your convenience, the Fraud Report Form is available to download from this Web site at any time.

How the Process Works

The information you provide to the CHVP is strictly confidential. Due to federal regulations, HCVP cannot comment on actions taken after your allegation is reported. It is not necessary or possible for you to obtain the status of the investigation. However, we assure you that all allegations will be reviewed to determine whether fraud is taking place and the proper penalties will be issued if fraud is discovered.

Penalties for Property Owners Who Commit Fraud Include:

  • Termination of HAP contract
  • Recapture of HAP payments
  • Prosecution under federal statutes

Penalties for Voucher Holders Who Commit Fraud Include:

  • Termination from the program
  • Recapture of the housing subsidy payment
  • Criminal prosecution
  • Debarment from participating in the voucher program

Penalties for CHA Employees Who Commit Fraud Include:

  • Probation
  • Leave without pay
  • Termination of employment
  • Prosecution under federal statutes

We encourage and appreciate your support in this matter. As taxpayers, we all have a stake in ensuring that federal housing assistance funds are used properly.


Downloads:

Fraud reporting form