Submit a Whistleblower Alert
Do you suspect someone is misusing funds, failing to comply with the universal service rules, or otherwise participating in fraud, waste, or abuse? Report it here. It's the right thing to do, and it's also required.
USAC treats each report of suspected misconduct as a serious and urgent matter requiring immediate attention. If you are aware of someone possibly misusing funds, failing to comply with the universal service rules, or otherwise participating in fraud, waste, or abuse of universal service support, report it.
An applicant, recipient, or subrecipient of universal service support must promptly disclose whenever it has credible evidence of the commission of a violation of Federal criminal law involving fraud, conflict of interest, bribery, or gratuity violations found in Title 18 of the United States Code or a violation of the civil False Claims Act (31 USC 3729-3733). The disclosure must be made in writing to the Federal agency, the agency’s Office of Inspector General, and pass-through entity (if applicable). Recipients and subrecipients are also required to report matters related to recipient integrity and performance (See 2 CFR 200.113).
Please follow the procedures outlined below.
What to Report
Report any suspicion of program participants or service providers: (1) misapplying or mismanaging universal service support; (2) violating any applicable laws, or rules, or regulations; or (3) otherwise participating in any fraud, waste or abuse.
Fraud: Involves obtaining something of value through willful misrepresentation.
Waste: The act of using or expending resources carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose – e.g., mismanagement, inappropriate actions, and inadequate oversight. Waste can include activities that do not include abuse and does not necessarily involve a violation of law.
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. This includes misuse of authority or position for personal financial interests or those of an immediate or close family member or business associate.
Please note: If you have program questions or complaints, do not submit a whistleblower alert. Instead, file a complaint or contact USAC and your concern or question will be addressed in a timely matter.
Your Rights
All reports are considered confidential. Laws protect you from reprisals (i.e., any action taken against you because you filed this report).
How to Submit a Whistleblower Alert
If you believe someone is misusing funds, failing to comply with the universal service rules, or otherwise participating in fraud, waste, or abuse, please submit a Whistleblower Alert Form, email or text WhistleblowerReports@usac.org, or send your report by U.S. mail to:
Universal Service Administrative Co.
Attn: Fraud Risk Group
700 12th Street, NW, Suite 900
Washington, DC 20005
You also may report fraud specifically within the E-Rate program by emailing hotline@usac.org or calling (888) 203-8100.
You may choose to remain anonymous. If you opt to identify yourself so USAC can contact you for additional information, we will make every effort to maintain confidentiality as the investigation proceeds.
After your report is received, it will be investigated. If appropriate or required by law, USAC will turn over information related to whistleblower alerts and results of our investigation to the FCC or law enforcement. Because the report and investigation are confidential, USAC is not at liberty to provide the status or outcome of the investigation.