Reporting Fraud, Waste & Abuse

Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline (804) 365-6813

Our objective is to provide County/School employees and the general public a confidential means for reporting suspected wrongdoing involving fraud, waste & abuse of county and school assets or resources.  Reportable activities may include, but are not limited to:

• Neglect of duty - Noncompliance with applicable rules, laws and regulations; misuse or abuse of time during work hours.
• Misuse of County Property - Negligence in the care and handling of County property, unauthorized or inappropriate use of County property or equipment, intentional abuse or destruction of County property, theft of County property, or of another employee's property.
• Falsification of Information - Falsification of personnel records, time records, or any other County and employee record or report.

How to report Fraud, Waste and Abuse Complaints?

If you are unsure how to proceed with a concern, you may contact Internal Audit during normal business hours at (804) 365-6870 for guidance prior to completing the Fraud, Waste and Abuse Reporting Form.

• In person: The Internal Audit Department is located on the 2nd floor of the Wickham Building at the Hanover County Government Complex. The street address is 7497 County Complex Road, #203, Hanover, VA 23069-0470. Regular operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• By phone: (804) 365-6813.  The Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline at (804) 365-6813, may be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Callers may remain anonymous. Caller ID and call back features have been disabled to maintain confidentiality.
• By FAX: Complete and print out our Reporting Form and fax it to (804) 365-6878. Sending personal information by fax and email is not a confidential or secure means of transmission. It’s recommended that you return your request by regular mail.
• By Mail: Complete and print our Reporting Form and address to: Attention:  Internal Audit Department, P.O. Box 470, Hanover, VA 23069-0470
• Online: Complete and submit the Fraud, Waste and Abuse Reporting Form.

When to report fraud?

Anytime you reasonably suspect misconduct. It is never too late to report fraud.

Who to report fraud to?

Hanover County Internal Audit Department

What will happen after you report?

 The Internal Audit Department takes all complaints and reports seriously.  We will make every effort to properly investigate the reports.  You can assist us in our investigation by providing as much documentation or data as possible.

What are fraud, waste and abuse?

According to the Code of Virginia, the Hanover County Internal Audit Department defines abuse, fraud and waste as:

• "Abuse" means the excessive or improper use of something, or the employment of something in a manner contrary to the natural or legal rules for its use; the intentional destruction, diversion, manipulation, misapplication, maltreatment, or misuse of resources owned or operated by the locality; or extravagant or excessive use so as to abuse one's position or authority.
• "Fraud" means the intentional deception perpetrated by an individual or individuals, or an organization or organizations, either internal or external to local government, that could result in a tangible or intangible benefit to themselves, others, or the locality or could cause detriment to others or the locality. Fraud includes a false representation of a matter of fact, whether by words or by conduct, by false or misleading statements, or by concealment of that which should have been disclosed, which deceives and is intended to deceive.
• "Waste" means the intentional or unintentional, thoughtless or careless expenditure, consumption, mismanagement, use, or squandering of resources owned or operated by the locality to the detriment or potential detriment of the locality. Waste also includes incurring unnecessary costs because of inefficient or ineffective practices, systems, or controls.

Other concerns should be directed as follows