February 1, 2010

CITY AUDITOR’S FRAUD ALERT LINE GOES LIVE

PORTLAND, OREGON - CITY HALL – City Auditor LaVonne Griffin-Valade launched the Fraud Alert line today.  The Auditor’s Fraud Alert allows the public and City of Portland employees to report concerns about suspected fraud, waste or misuse of City resources, and abuse of position to a 24/7, centralized tip line. “The Fraud Alert line is one more mechanism for enhancing accountability to the public,” Auditor Griffin-Valade said.

The City of Portland government has had few known cases of intentional wrongdoing, such as fraud, but the City is not immune.  “A City job is a public trust, and City employees are expected to act as stewards of public assets. But, when employees are found to be misusing or not actively protecting City resources, public confidence in government is jeopardized,” Griffin-Valade said.

Fraud Alert reports can be made online or by telephone to a secure call center and server managed by EthicsPoint.  The EthicsPoint system also allows callers to report anonymously, if they choose.  The Office of the Ombudsman, a division of the Auditor's Office, will oversee the handling of Fraud Alert reports. 

In September 2009, the Auditor released an audit, “Fraud Reporting: Clarification of process and training needed” which identified improvements needed in the City’s fraud reporting process. 

Reports to the Auditor’s Fraud Alert line may be made online at www.portlandfraudalert.com or by calling 1-866-342-4148.

If you have questions about the Fraud Alert line you can also call the Office of the Ombudsman at 503-823-0144.