How to Submit a Report

HOTLINE: 888-329-6390  or  www.ethicspoint.com (just click here)

The Office of the City Auditor is committed to ensuring transparency, accountability and integrity in city government. The Fraud, Waste + Abuse Prevention Program is one of the mechanisms to achieve these objectives. The Office of the City Auditor operates a confidential hotline for City of Oakland employees, contractors, citizens and other interested parties to report fraud, waste and abuse affecting City resources. The City has contracted with an independent company (EthicsPoint) whose trained intake specialists will receive all calls and web-based reports. You may remain anonymous.

What To Report

Fraud is defined as the intentional misappropriation of City assets by an act including, but not limited to, theft, embezzlement or misrepresentation. Fraud can be external or internal, in that it can be perpetrated by contractors or vendors as well as by City Departments and employees.  Examples of fraud include:
  • Submitting fictitious invoices for personal goods and services;
  • Theft of City property, such as inventory or supplies;
  • Falsification of records such as time cards, travel or other expense;
  • Falsely reporting expenses for reimbursement;
  • Stealing a check the City issued to another payee;
  • Taking or "skimming" cash paid for City services - such as parking, permits or fines;
  • Computer fraud or information theft;
  • Utilizing City property for personal use;
  • Accepting a bribe, kickback or illegal gratuity;
  • Obtaining a benefit or service from the City for which they do not qualify;
  • Bid-fixing;
  • Recording fictitious sales;
  • Auditing or accounting irregularities;
Waste is defined as the needless, careless or extravagant expenditure of City funds or misuse of resources as a result of inefficient or ineffective practices, systems or controls.

Abuse is defined as use of employment of the City to obtain personal gain or benefit to which one is not entitled, for the employee or for someone else, such as a friend or family member. Such actions constitute abuse of position and abuse of the public trust.
What Not To Report

Complaint Evaluation

The Office of the City Auditor will conduct a thorough analysis of each complaint and take appropriate action. At every step of the process you can be assured that your confidentiality will be protected. In order to protect the confidential reporting process, updates of actions will not be provided. Discussion of your complaint with others, including family, friends and co-workers, may jeopardize your confidentiality.

For more information, please see the Frequently Asked Questions (Whistleblower Program FAQ)