Fraud and corruption hurt everyone in our city. When people misuse government money, it can take away resources that should be helping the community. That’s why the City of Philadelphia Office of the Inspector General (OIG) works hard to stop government fraud, corruption, and misconduct—but we need your help!
By learning how to spot a wrongdoing and knowing how to report it, you can help keep our city honest and fair.
What Does Government Misconduct Look Like?
Fraud can happen in different ways. Here are some warning signs to watch for:
- Bribes & Kickbacks – A worker takes money or gifts in exchange for favors, like approving a contract or skipping rules.
- Stealing from the City – Someone takes government money, supplies, or equipment for personal use.
- Fake Billing – A company charges the city for work that was never done or overcharges for services.
- Unfair Hiring – A city worker gives jobs or contracts to family or friends instead of choosing the best person.
- Lying About Work Hours – Employees getting paid for time they didn’t work or taking extra overtime unfairly.
- Living Outside of the City – City workers living outside of Philadelphia, violating the City residency requirement.
- Abusing Power – A worker uses their job to get special treatment or punish others unfairly.
If you notice any of these signs, don’t ignore them—let us know!
How to Report Fraud
The OIG makes it easy to report misconduct safely. You can:
📞 Call the Tip Line: (215) 686-1770
✉️ Send an Email: OIG@phila.gov
📌 Submit a Report Online: Report a wrongdoing here
📬 Mail a Letter:
The Office of the Inspector General
601 Walnut St. Suite 300E
Philadelphia, PA 19107
You do not have to give your name—you can stay anonymous. If you do share your name, we will keep your information private and safe. Check out our previous blog post about the differences between anonymous and confidential when you report to the OIG.
What Happens After You Report?
When we get a complaint, our team looks into it carefully, and this can take time. If we find evidence of fraud or misconduct, we take action. This could mean stopping money from being stolen, making people pay back stolen funds, or even taking legal action.
You Can Make a Difference!
Government accountability starts with you. By staying alert and speaking up, you help protect taxpayer money and ensure that city services benefit the people they’re meant for. Even a small tip can lead to a major investigation and real change.
If you suspect fraud, waste, or abuse in Philadelphia’s government, don’t hesitate to report it. Together, we can build a stronger, more honest city.
