Fraud, Waste & Abuse Hotline

The County Controller Joanne Phillips has created a Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline. The purpose of this hotline is to allow anyone to report in confidence, information regarding any fraud, waste or abuse having to do with Delaware County assets. Tiplines are proven tools to help prevent fraud and abuse.

If you think you have knowledge of:

1. Suspected theft or misuse of County property or cash
2. False reporting of hours worked for the County
3. Submission of illegitimate vendor invoices to the County
4. Misrepresentation of expense reimbursements to the County
5. Spending in excess of what is reasonable and necessary
6. Violations of the County's purchasing policy
7. Other suspected fraud or abuse involving the County
8. Suspicious behavior - Fraud perpetrators often display behavioral traits that serve as indicators of possible illegal behavior. The most commonly cited behavioral red flag is "living beyond their apparent means".

Here's what you should do first:

Gather information:

• Where: Area where the fraud is occurring
• Who: Person(s) involved
• What: Nature of the fraud/abuse - lying, cheating, stealing, etc.
• When: Date and/or duration of occurrence(s)
• How Much: Approximate dollar amount/value involved

Here's how you can report your tip in confidence:

1. Submit your tip electronically via the Fraud, Waste and Abuse Form.
2. Call (610) 891-8614 to leave a detailed message (Calls are anonymous and untraceable).
3. Mail your tip to: Controller's Office - Fraud Hotline, 201 West Front Street, Media, PA 19063

Remember:

1. Fraud and abuse is something everyone pays for.
2. Significant losses due to fraud could mean increased taxes, decreased employee benefits, tighter departmental budgets and less services for our Delaware County citizens.
3. You have the right to remain anonymous, but identifying yourself may greatly aid in our investigation.
4. If you choose to remain anonymous be assured your complaint will receive the same attention as all tips we receive.

**Disclaimer: Individuals can choose to submit their tips via phone, mail or the online form. All methods of submission provide the individual with anonymity, should they choose. It is not necessary to call and check the status of your tip. While our office intends to make every reasonable effort to maintain confidentiality, there may be circumstances where we are required by law to provide information to other government departments that are relevant to a particular issue. If you have provided contact information, we may follow up with you on your report if appropriate, but a response may not be given.

The Fraud, Waste & Abuse Hotline only applies to Delaware County governmental assets, monies and resources. Any other fraudulent activity not related to Delaware County activities should be reported to the appropriate law enforcement authorities:

To report fraudulent activity involving private business or governmental agencies not related to Delaware County, contact the District Attorney's Criminal Investigation Division: 610-891-4700

To report fraudulent activity concerning tenant and public housing, contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): (800) 347-3735 or online at https://www.hud.gov/faqs/complaints

To report fraudulent activity involving state tax dollars, contact the Pennsylvania Auditor General: (800) 922-8477 or online at https://www.paauditor.gov/auditor-general-hotline