Whistleblower Hotline

If you are aware of fraud, waste, and abuse of USF Support Mechanism Funds, we encourage you to report it! Because USAC treats each call to the Whistleblower Hotline as a serious and urgent matter requiring our attention, we caution you to use the hotline procedure described below ONLY to report potential instances of waste, fraud, or abuse of support mechanism rules.

• What kinds of things should you report? Instances of USF funds being misapplied, mismanagement or violations of law, rules, or regulations by support mechanism participants or service providers.
• What are your rights? Your complaint will be kept anonymous and confidential if desired. Laws protect you from reprisals (any action taken against you because you filed this complaint).
• What to expect when you call. If you believe there is a misuse of funds or a violation of rules:

1. Place a call to one of the below hotlines and tell the operator that you want to report a potential program rule violation.
2. You will be connected to specially trained staff who will record your report. This staff person will ask you a series of questions in order to obtain as much information about the situation as possible, so the investigation can proceed efficiently.
3. If you choose to remain anonymous, you may do so. If you opt to identify yourself so that our investigators can contact you for additional information, we will make every effort to maintain your confidentiality as the investigation proceeds.
4. If our investigation clearly confirms a program rule violation that is indicative of waste, fraud, or abuse, we will take immediate corrective steps, including but not limited to adjusting or rescinding funding commitments and recovering program funds. Other steps may be undertaken, such as referral of matters to criminal and other law enforcement agencies.

Hotline Numbers for the Support Mechanisms

• High Cost:
  • (202) 776-0200
• Low Income:
  • (202) 776-0200
• Rural Health Care:
  • Toll Free (800) 229-5476
• Schools and Libraries (E-Rate):
  • Toll Free (888) 203-8100

Other Hotline Numbers

• Billing, Collections, and Disbursements:
  • Toll Free (888) 641-8722