The County of Lancaster Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline is operated by the Lancaster County Controller.  The purpose of this hotline is to allow anyone to report in confidence, information regarding any fraud, waste or abuse having to do with County of Lancaster assets.

Per the Yellow Book Fraud, Waste and Abuse is described as the following:

Fraud: Involves obtaining something of value through willful misrepresentation. Whether an act is, in fact, fraud is determined through the judicial or other adjudicative system and is beyond auditors’ professional responsibility. (paragraph 8.73)

Waste: The act of using or expending resources carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose. Waste can include activities that do not include abuse and does not necessarily involve a violation of law. (paragraphs 6.21, 7.23, and 8.120)

Abuse: Behavior that is deficient or improper when compared with behavior that a prudent person would consider reasonable and necessary business practice given the facts and circumstances, but excludes fraud and noncompliance with provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements. (paragraphs 6.23, 7.25, and 8.122)

Click below for the above referenced pages:

• Suspected theft or misuse of County property or cash
• False reporting of hours worked
• Submission of illegitimate vendor invoices
• Misrepresentation of expense reimbursements
• Mismanagement of tax dollars
• Spending in excess of what is reasonable and necessary
• Violations of the County's purchasing policy
• Other suspected fraud or abuse
• Suspicious behavior - Fraud perpetrators often display behavioral traits that serve as indicators of possible illegal behavior.  The most commonly cited behavioral red flag was "living beyond their apparent means".*

Gather as much information as possible:

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

Here's how you can report it:

• Submit your tip electronically via the Fraud, Waste and Abuse Form.
• Call (717) 824-8570 (Calls may be anonymous)
• Mail your tip to: Controller's Office - Fraud Hotline, 150 North Queen Street, Suite #710, Lancaster, PA 17603

Remember:

• Governments are one of the most commonly victimized industries.*
• Fraud and abuse are crimes everyone pays for.
• Significant losses due to fraud could mean increased taxes, decreased employee benefits, tighter departmental budgets and less services for our Lancaster County citizens.
• Though you have the right to remain anonymous, identifying yourself may greatly aid in our investigation.

*Source: Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Report to the Nation
**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.  Fraud investigations are opened within 7 days of receiving the tip.  The Fraud, Waste & Abuse Hotline only applies to Lancaster County governmental assets, monies and resources.  Any other fraudulent activity not related to County of Lancaster activities should be reported to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.