Understanding Fraud, Waste and Abuse

The Inspector General protects City of Milwaukee residents by tracking and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse in City of Milwaukee programs and operations administered by the various departments. At the same time, the IG’s internal audits protect the accountability of City programs and operations.

Established in August 2018, the IG consolidates all program integrity, audit, and fraud investigation activities into one office. The IG will work closely with other state and local partners to identify misuses
of City programs and operations, and where appropriate, forwards fraud cases to federal, state, and local officials for prosecution.

Misuse of public funds affects each person who lives in the City. The IG encourages everyone to report suspected fraud, waste, or abuse. Call to report fraud at 414-286-2146, email the IG or submit a fraud report form.

You may remain anonymous, if you choose.

What is Fraud?
Fraud is any intentional act or omission designed to deceive others in order to get undeserved money or other items of value.

It is any intentional deception designed to deprive the City of Milwaukee programs and operations unlawfully of something of value or to secure from the City, an individual, a benefit, privilege, allowance
or consideration to which he or she is not entitled.

What is Waste?

Waste is squandering money or resources even if it is not considered illegal. It is the extravagant, careless or needless expenditure of government funds, or the consumption of government property that results from deficient practices, systems, controls or decisions. The term also includes improper practices not involving prosecutable fraud.

What is Abuse?

Abuse is behaving improperly or unreasonably, or misusing your position or authority.

It is the intentional or improper use of government resources. Examples include misuse of rank, position or authority and misuse of resources such as tools, vehicles or copying machines.