“If you see something, say something.” You’ve probably heard that directive piped through a train station or other public places, encouraging people to report suspicious activities. At the OIG, we make it easy to say something if you see something.
We take tips about fraud, waste, and misconduct via our hotline that’s as simple as completing an online form. In fact, that’s the most direct way to contact us if you see a postal crime being committed, or a potential misuse of postal equipment, or a violation of rules by a postal employee or contractor. Just go to www.uspsoig.gov and click on the large red hotline box on the homepage.
The OIG hotline was established nearly two decades ago to receive complaints from postal employees, customers, and the general public on such things as fraud, waste of funds or resources, mail theft, and other postal crimes. Complaints also include charges of misconduct; violations of laws, rules, or regulations; and danger to public health and safety as related to Postal Service programs and policies, employees, and contractors.
Often, these sometimes anonymous tips result in investigations and audits. For example, our recent audit on U.S. Postal Service expense purchase cards got rolling after we received an anonymous allegation that cardholders in the Detroit District did not receive proper approval prior to making purchases.
Our audit found that management did not adequately oversee expense card purchases and payments and that some cardholders did indeed make purchases without proper approval. Cardholders also did not maintain accurate and complete records to support their purchases.
All complaints are reviewed by our hotline analysts. Tips range from allegations of mail theft to workers’ compensation fraud to complaints about missing mail transport equipment (MTE). Sometimes, however, the complaint is outside our jurisdiction. For example, complaints about things like change of address, mail forwarding, or employee conduct should be directed to Postal Service Customer Service. For more information visit the USPS Help Page.
But don’t worry if you contacted us by mistake. We will forward your concern to the right place. More information on how our hotline can help you, please visit www.uspsoig.gov/hotline.
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