WHAT IS...
FRAUD? Deceptive practices including, but not limited to, embezzlement, false billing, or false representation.
THEFT? Intentionally depriving CHA of goods or services or the unauthorized removal of property, money, or funds from CHA, its entities, locations, or premises.
WASTE? Individuals, groups, employees, contractors, vendors, or businesses that are spending taxpayers' monies in a manner that does not further CHA’s mission and goals.
ABUSE? CHA employees, contractors, vendors, or any other entity doing business with the Authority that by their actions exceed the authority granted to them by policy, regulation, or contract.
MISCONDUCT? CHA employee or contractor violations of personnel rules, policies, or laws that require investigation and, if true, would warrant serious administrative discipline or adverse action. Depending on the facts alleged, the OIG may refer complaints to the CHA Ethics Officer for violations of the CHA Ethics and EEO policies or another appropriate department.
WHY REPORT?
All employees, contractors, and vendors are required to report violations of the laws, HUD regulations, and violations of the CHA Ethics Policy. Furthermore, ALL citizens have a moral responsibility to report violations to assure that taxpayer money is well spent.
WILL YOU DISCLOSE MY IDENTITY?
The identities of confidential complainants are not disclosed unless required by law. However, it is advantageous for OIG to know the identity of the complainant for follow-up inquiries when an investigation is warranted. Retaliation for making a complaint to the OIG is strictly prohibited.
OIG investigations remain confidential and are only disclosed if the OIG finds a violation and recommends adverse action.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW WHEN CONTACTING THE OIG?
There are several things to keep in mind when reporting fraud, waste, abuse, and serious mismanagement. Immediate reporting is necessary, while facts are still fresh in the mind of the complainant. All reports must answer the questions who, what, when, where, why, and how.
- Who was involved? (Names, addresses, phone numbers, if available)
- What happened? (Summary of events, additional sources of evidence)
- When did it happen? (Date, time, frequency)
- Where did it happen? (Location, city, state)
- Why was it done? (Any known motive of committing such act)
- How did it happen? (What scheme was used)
The most successful OIG cases are those that include supporting documentation. Reports that are too vague or cannot be corroborated can result in a case being closed without any action taken.
Be advised that the OIG has exclusive discretion in determining which Hotline cases will be investigated. A representative from OIG will contact you only if additional information is needed for your complaint. OIG cannot provide you with case status updates or other information while the case is in review. Furthermore, OIG’s decision to close a case is final with without a right to appeal.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DO NOT OPEN A CASE BASED ON MY REPORT TO THE OIG HOTLINE?
Many of the reports that the OIG Hotline receives are program-related or administrative matters and do not result in an OIG investigation. In these situations, we may decide to refer the complaint to the appropriate CHA program office or, when appropriate, to another government agency.