Show All Answers

1. What should be reported and what should not be reported on a fraud tip?

Do not report general complaints, suggestions, or personnel issues. Only report material instances of fraud, waste, and abuse that you have witnessed. Some examples are as follows:

- Excessive or Unnecessary Purchases

- Falsifying of Official Documents (Absentee Forms, Travel Forms, Etc.)

- Inappropriate Use or Spending of City Dollars

- Official Misconduct, Conflicts of Interest, or Offering or Accepting Bribes

- Personal Use of City-Owned Vehicles, Equipment, or Supplies

- Theft of City Resources

- Violations of City Procurement Policy

2. When should a fraud tip be reported?

The tip should be reported as soon as possible. Remember that the longer you wait since the incident occurred, the more difficult it becomes to investigate.

3. What information do you provide on a fraud tip?

The more information you can provide, the more effective the investigation. You should provide the following information on the tip:

- Agency, Department, or Person Involved

- Description of the Incident

- Give Dates, Times, Names, and Place

- Identify Any Records of Support and Where Located

4. What happens after a fraud tip is received?

After a tip is received, it is screened by us for a possible investigation. If an investigation is performed and fraud, waste, or abuse is found, management will be informed and will take corrective action. We will also issue an audit report with recommendations to strengthen control weaknesses that allowed the incident to occur.

5. What is the purpose of the Fraud Hotline?

The fraud hotline is designed to give you a way to anonymously report any suspected fraud or abuse to the auditor for an independent review.

6. Why should you contact the Fraud Hotline?

When there is fraud, waste, or abuse in our local government, we all suffer, as taxpayers and as employees.

7. How is my identity protected when using the Fraud Hotline?

You are not required to provide any personal information about yourself. Our Fraud Tips FORM is set up anonymously through our web site. In addition, there are "whistle blower" protection laws that guarantee against retaliation by an employer.

8. Who operates the Fraud Hotline?

The City Auditor's Office administers the hotline. The department screens tips and conducts the investigations. If deemed necessary, it may be turned over to the proper authorities.

9. Why does the City of Brownsville need an Internal Audit Department?

Internal audits are independent evaluations of City operations and activities to ascertain compliance with regulations, standard controls, and procedures. They assist management by reporting on the effectiveness of various City departments.

10. Why and how is the City Auditor independent?

Independence is essential in performing the audit function, since it provides for objective and unbiased appraisals. The City Auditor is independent of the City operation because it reports directly to the audit committee.

11. How does an area get selected for audit?

An annual risk assessment is prepared which computes an overall risk factor for each area based on internal environment, external environment, financial impact, and operational impact. Those areas rated the highest are recommended for audit for that year.

The City Commission or City Manager may also request specific audits.

12. What occurs after an audit?

A report is issued to the Audit Committee, City Manager and Department Director making recommendations. A follow-up audit is then performed about 3 months after the first audit report is issued. This is done to determine if management has complied with the report recommendations.

13. How do I report fraud?

Learn how to report fraud on our How to Report Fraud page.