How to Report Government Contracting Fraud

Reporting government fraud is the right thing to do, not only because it saves tax dollars.

According to the U.S. government, corrupt businesses cheat the federal government out of billions of tax dollars every year. If you suspect or have firsthand knowledge that a contractor or a contracting business is defrauding the government, report it. Not only is it is the right thing to do, you may be entitled to a reward as a "whistleblower."

Things You'll Need

• Contractor or subcontractor's contact information
• Copies of any filed complaints

Instructions

1. Contact one or more agencies, beginning with your local police department, to report suspected fraudulent activity against the U.S. government. File a complaint and obtain a copy of your filed report. Your report should be followed by an investigation by the local authority. You also should file a complaint with other government agencies detailing the alleged crime.

2. Contact the attorney general office in the state the fraud occurred. Be prepared to provide them with information regarding the fraud and documentation of other complaints you may have filed. Your complaint will be investigated under the False Claims Act. Government contractors and subcontractors are the most common type of defendants in these kinds of complaints.

3. File a complaint with the contractors licensing board in the state where the fraud occurred. This government agency handles any violations of the Contractors License Law, whether the contractor is licensed or unlicensed. A complaint can be filed up to four years from the date of the act. You can file a complaint online or by mail and will be asked for your identifying information.

4. Contact your local state's fraud investigation task force or your local FBI office. Be prepared to give detailed information concerning the alleged contractor fraud as well as any government contract information you know. If the crime against the government by the contractor is prosecuted, you may be entitled to a percentage of fines collected by the government for your role in the case.

References

• Government Fraud US: Whistleblowing and Reporting Government Fraud
• Contractor Fraud Alliance: Report Contractor Fraud
• Department of Consumer Affairs: Contractors State License Board

Resources

• Federal Government Contractor Fraud Whistleblower Claims: Information Center
• Consumer Fraud Reporting: Government Agencies
• Contractor's License Reference Site: Find Out if A Contractor is Licensed
• National Contractor License Service: State Contractor License Board List by State
• FBI: Contact Us