Skip Maine state header navigation

Agencies | Online Services | Help

Skip First Level Navigation | Skip All Navigation

Home > Fraud Hotline > Guidelines

MAINE STATE AUDITOR'S FRAUD HOTLINE

IMPORTANT GUIDELINES

What we investigate

  • illegal acts affecting state government such as theft, fraud, financial conflict of interest
  • significant abuse of state equipment or property
  • clear misuse of state property, programs, or work time for personal gain
  • gross misconduct with significant financial effects
  • consistent, wasteful conduct with significant financial implications
  • kickbacks or offers of help that involve return payment to workers or state vendors

What we do NOT investigate

  • improper acts by federal officials
  • improper acts of private entities not contracting with state government
  • improper acts of local government
  • personal gripes against employees about personal matters
  • rude conduct of an occasional nature
  • human mistakes of state personnel
  • insignificant matters or complaints without sufficient factual basis

What we need before we investigate

We do not undertake formal investigations without having a basis for believing there is merit to the complaint in order to protect the identity and reputation of individuals incorrectly accused of committing improper governmental activities.

Because we do not undertake formal investigations without adequate cause, we need evidence to corroborate your complaint such as documents, witnesses, and other specific and relevant information. We need copies of all evidence you have that convinces you that an improper governmental activity has occurred. We will not begin an investigation based solely on a letter or telephone call without such evidence.

We do not investigate complaints filed anonymously because of the difficulty in obtaining sufficient evidence to corroborate the alleged improper activity. However, your identity can be protected under Maine law by the State Auditor and the Maine Department of Audit. We will assume that all individuals filing complaints desire such protection, unless you tell us in writing that you are willing to be identified.

If you do file your complaint without telling us your name and how to reach you, be aware that we may not investigate and we may not be able to investigate due to insufficient information. Please be sure to provide specific and relevant information including the first and last names of any individuals mentioned, their contact information, and the location or address at which the improper activity is occurring.

See our complaint form for additional guidance.

What we will do with your information

  • Conduct an initial review to determine if adequate facts indicate that fraud has occurred
  • Open a formal investigation if sufficient evidence indicates fraud or illegal acts in our jurisdiction, which is State financial and program compliance with civil laws
  • Review the financial implications of a complaint about significant waste of State resources
  • Report the nature of each complaint and other facts to the Governor
  • Post our Report to the Governor on this web site
  • Publish a semiannual report on the number of complaints, number referred, and current status of each complaint on this web site
  • Refer criminal matters to the Attorney General or local District Attorney as appropriate
  • Refer concerns about poor performance or inefficiencies to the Legislative Office of Program Efficiency and Government Accountability
  • Please remember that we do not have enforcement power: we are auditors

You may send questions or comments to: webmaster.audit@maine.gov

Last updated April 8, 2013