Reporting HCV Program Fraud

CHA is committed to protecting the integrity of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program and ensuring that only eligible families and Property Owners receive benefits in accordance with HCV Program rules and regulations. If you have reason to believe that any fraudulent activity is taking place in connection with CHA’s HCV Program, please call the CHA Fraud Hotline at 800-533-0441.

What Constitutes Fraud?

Fraud involves false statements, omissions or actions made with the intent to deceive or mislead, resulting in the misuse of funds or the violation or circumvention of HCV Program rules. Fraud may be committed by a Property Owner/Manager, Applicant, Voucher Holder, Participant, CHA employee or CHA subcontractor who helps administer the HCV Program.

Examples of fraud committed by a Property Owner might include:

  • Offering bribes to CHA or HCV Program employees or CHA subcontractors
  • Accepting Housing Assistance Payments (HAPs) for properties that he or she does not own or represent as the legal agent
  • Accepting HAPs 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 CHA
 

Examples of fraud committed by an Applicant, Voucher Holder or Participant might include:

  • Not reporting income or total amount of income
  • Subletting the subsidized apartment/home
  • Having unauthorized persons living in the apartment/home
  • Using a voucher from CHA while receiving rental assistance from another agency
 

Examples of fraud committed by a CHA employee might include:

  • Omitting known income from a re-examination in order to provide a lower rent to a friend, relative or other individual participating in the HCV Program
  • Turning in a completed inspection report without having actually inspected the apartment/home
  • Receiving money from an Owner, Applicant, Voucher Holder or Participant for processing any task related to the HCV Program
 

Violent Crime is Not Considered Fraud

CHA does not consider violent criminal activity or drug trafficking to be fraud. The activity should be reported to the police, the Owner and CHA as it constitutes a violation of the Family Obligations.

How to Report Housing Fraud

There are three ways to report suspected fraudulent activity:

  1. Mail: Chicago Housing Authority
    Attn: HCV Program Fraud/Compliance
    60 E. Van Buren St., 8th Floor
    Chicago, IL 60605

  2. Phone:     CHA Fraud Hotline
    800-533-0441

  3. Fax: 312-786-3663
    Attn: HCV Program Fraud/Compliance

You can download the Fraud Report form here: Fraud Report Form.

CHA Fraud Investigations and Enforcement

The information you provide to CHA regarding suspected fraud is strictly confidential. Due to federal regulations, CHA 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 CHA will investigate all allegations to determine whether fraud is taking place and the proper penalties to enforce if fraud is discovered.

Penalties for Property Owners/Managers who commit fraud include:

  • Termination of HAP Contract
  • Recapture of HAPs
  • Prosecution under federal statutes
  • Debarment from participating in the HCV Program
 

Penalties for Applicants, Voucher Holders or Participants who commit fraud include:

  • Termination from the HCV Program
  • Recapture of housing subsidy payments
  • Criminal prosecution
  • Debarment from participating in the HCV 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 distributed properly.

 

Downloads:

Fraud and Reporting