RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR)--A Virginia law that took effect July 1, 2013 intended to encourage state employees to expose fraud and abuse has not yielded a single tip, according to the Office of the State Inspector General.
The Fraud Abuse and Whistle Blower Protection Act makes state workers eligible to receive up to 10 percent of the money recovered in a particular fraud, waste or abuse case, but Deputy State Inspector General June Jennings told CBS6 the program has yet to produce any leads.
“It could be from the lack of advertising…people not being aware of the program,” Jennings said.
Jennings said whistleblower tips can be very helpful to her office.
“A lot of times we don’t have the resources in state government to reach out and identify all fraud and waste that occurs in government,” Jennings said.
Richmond’s top investigator, Umesh Dalal, told CBS6 the state program is modeled after the city’s whistle blower program.
He said the city’s program has led to several credible investigations that saved the city money.
A bill moving through the General Assembly could help the state see similar results.
The legislation, HB439, sponsored by Delegate Jim LeMunyon, would open up the program to all citizens in Virginia, not just state employees.
“There may be citizens out there who are aware of abuses with state resources that state agency employees may not be aware of,” Jennings said.
To report instances of fraud, waste or abuse in state government to the Inspector General’s office, call 1-800-723-1615.
You can also mail the office a complaint to the following address:
101 N 14th Street
Richmond, VA 23218
Or, email the office here:
COVHotline@osig.virginia.gov
