How to Report SBA Fraud
The Small Business Administration (sba.gov) encounters various types of fraud. One example involves businesses that incorrectly pose as small businesses to receive significant benefits, such as long-term government contracts. Within the Small Business Act, section 16(d) states misrepresentation of status as a small business is a criminal offense. Another type of fraud involves misleading tax returns.
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Instructions
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Gather evidence that describes the fraud. For example, if you work at a small business and you directly are aware of accounting fraud, then provide detailed information (e.g., the past five tax returns) plus identify the company's name and address. Your report might consist of brief descriptions of the activity along with the names of people within the company and their titles or positions.
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Contact the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) at fraudnet@gao.gov, 1-800-424-5454 or online at gao.gov/cgi-bin/fraudnet.cgi. GAO investigates reports of fraud that arise in federal agencies, including the SBA.
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Notify the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), particularly when dealing with tax fraud. You can either complete Form 3949 A or prepare a letter. Mail either document to Internal Revenue Service, Fresno, CA 93888.
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Contact the Office of the Inspector General for your state or the SBA to file a complaint. For instance, New Yorkers can report fraud by calling 1-800-DO-RIGHT, completing an online form at ig.state.ny.us or sending an email to inspector.general@ig.state.ny.use. The SBA (sba.gov/ig/) also operates an internal investigative division.
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Tips & Warnings
You can file anonymous reports without disclosing your personal information.
