Contacting the OIG about Fraud and Abuse

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is, technically, part of HUD.  But they work independently and have separate budget authority.  Its purpose is to find and prevent abuse, fraud and waste within the HUD systems.

Many clients have wondered how to handle the reporting of fraud identified through using EIV.  Some OIG offices have told Owner/Agents that, once they report fraud to the OIG, they should not proceed with repayment agreements.  Other offices have told O/As the opposite.  Some OIG offices have high financial thresholds, and won’t pursue anything less than $20,000, for example; others will pursue tenants owing lesser amounts.

HUD Policy recommends that each Owner/Agent communicate with its local OIG office to determine its policies and recommended procedures, so that they can be included in the property’s EIV Policies and Procedures.

Are you aware of something that you think needs to be reported?  Use the email link to the OIG Hotline at: hotline@hudoig.gov.  To learn more about the OIG, visit: www.hudoig.gov.