FAQs: Report Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
The County Auditor established an independent website to prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse in government operations. Implementation of a website is consistent with a trend among government agencies to establish fraud-referral systems as a deterrent and to send a positive message to all employees, suppliers, and taxpayers about leadership’s commitment to protect public resources.
Fraud
A dishonest and intentional course of action that results in obtaining money, property, or an advantage to which the individual committing the action would not normally been entitled.
Waste
The needless, careless, or extravagant expenditure of County funds, incurring of unnecessary expenses, or misuse of County resources or property.
Abuse
The intentionally wrongful or improper use of County resources that can include the excessive or improper use of one’s position, in a manner contrary to its rightful or legally intended use.
Information can be provided to the fraud Website by any of the following methods:
Web-based access: Online Report Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Form
E-mail address * : fraud@howardcountymd.gov
( * Be aware that reporting through the above e-mail account will reveal your e-mail address)
Working together, we will ensure that we continue to have a positive and productive environment that protects our County’s resources and maintains our high standards of integrity and service to our fellow employees and the residents of Howard County. If you are aware of any illegal or improper activity, do not ignore it. Report it immediately!
The website is designed to take reports from citizens, employees and contractors of Howard County.
The County Auditor is interested in receiving tips related to activities such as:
- Contract or procurement fraud
- Significant waste of County funds
- Theft of County funds or property
- Kickbacks/bribery
- Workers compensation fraud
- Fraudulent travel
- Reimbursement claims
- Abuse of authority
- Whistleblower reprisal
- Day-to-day management issues
- EEO complaints
- Issues normally handled by the grievance process
- Employee benefits and compensation questions or concerns
- Issues that are the responsibility of other government agencies
When reporting matters to the website, if possible, be prepared to provide the following:
- The person(s) involved and title(s)
- When the incident occurred
- Where
- How
- How long
- How often
- How the caller knows
- Is there documentation?
- Others who have knowledge
- Any steps already taken
You may remain anonymous by leaving blank those fields requesting personal information, or you may identify yourself.
If you identify yourself on our website, your identity will be protected as an investigatory record to the fullest extent permitted by law. If an investigation results in criminal prosecution, it is possible that the court may subpoena our records.
The County Auditor reviews all reports received to determine the best course of action. All credible allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse are investigated.
The time to complete an investigation can vary from a couple of weeks to several months depending on the complexity of the issues being investigated.
A County Auditor investigator may contact you if additional information is needed regarding your complaint.
If you have identified yourself, you can contact our office via telephone or email to check on the status or to see if additional information is needed.