Whistle Blower Protection Act encourages citizens to report fraud, waste, corruption

Virginia citizens who observe fraud, waste or corruption in executive-branch state agencies can help strengthen government — and may be rewarded for their efforts — by reporting allegations to the Office of the State Inspector General.

The Whistle Blower Protection Act shields those who make a report against retaliation, while the Fraud and Abuse Whistle Blower Reward Fund provides a way to compensate citizens for reporting allegations leading to the recovery of assets. A toll-free call to (800) 723-1615 provides a way to report wrongdoings.

The Whistle Blower Protection Act is available to all citizens of Virginia and state employees who make “good faith reports” of occurrences of fraud, waste or corruption committed by state agencies or independent contractors of state agencies. A good faith report is one made truthfully and in good conscience, without ill intent or malice, and with supportive evidence that a wrongdoing, fraud, or abuse has occurred.

The Fraud and Abuse Whistle Blower Reward Fund may provide compensation to any citizen or employee who discloses information that leads to a recovery of at least $5,000. The reward may be up to 10 percent of the actual sum recovered from the disclosure of the wrongdoing or abuse.

Individuals who wish to remain anonymous may report information through the State Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline instead. Individuals should know that anonymity and confidentiality are not guaranteed when filing a claim under the Fraud and Abuse Whistle Blower Reward Fund.

Making a good faith report is easy and can be done by contacting OSIG in one of four ways:

• Calling (800) 723-1615 (toll-free within Virginia)
• Sending a fax to (804) 371-0165
• Sending an email to [email protected]
• Mailing correspondence via United States Postal Service to Office of the State Inspector General, Attention: State Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline, Post Office Box 1151, Richmond, VA 23218

Additional information and specifics is available on the OSIG website (http://osig.virginia.gov/) by going to the Program Areas section and clicking on Citizen Services.