How to report fraud, waste, and abuse
Anyone who knows of or suspects fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, or other wrongdoing relating to FCA programs or operations should contact OIG by:
- Completing OIG’s online complaint form
- Calling OIG’s Hotline at (800) 437-7322 (toll-free) or (703) 883-4316
- Emailing OIG’s Hotline at [email protected]
- Writing to or visiting OIG at:
Office of Inspector General
Farm Credit Administration
1501 Farm Credit Drive, Suite 2100
McLean, VA 22102
Information to include when submitting a complaint to OIG
Complainants are asked to provide the following information if practicable. OIG does not expect or encourage complainants to engage in independent inquiry or investigation or to discuss their concerns with the suspected wrongdoers.
- A concise description of the wrongdoing that the complainant knows or suspects has occurred (or will occur), including dates and times.
- Names, titles, or other identifying information for those persons or entities that the complainant believes engaged (or are planning to engage) in the alleged wrongdoing.
- A concise description of how the complainant became aware of the alleged wrongdoing.
- A concise description of any documentation that the complainant possesses or is otherwise aware of that the complainant believes supports the allegations.
- Names, titles, or other identifying information for other persons whom the complainant believes may be able to provide OIG with information about the alleged wrongdoing.
- To the extent that the complainant has previously reported the alleged wrongdoing elsewhere, the details of such reports.
Complainants are additionally asked—but are not required—to provide their name and contact information. OIG will not disclose the identity of any complainant without their consent, except where the Inspector General determines that such disclosure is unavoidable in the course of the investigation.
OIG welcomes anonymous complaints but the inability to obtain additional or clarifying information from anonymous complainants may inhibit OIG’s inquiry into the alleged wrongdoing.
What to expect after filing a complaint with OIG
OIG generally acknowledges complaints within two business days of receipt. Where a complaint does not relate to FCA programs and operations or lies within the purview of another FCA office, OIG, where practicable, will inform the complainant and refer the complaint to the appropriate entity.
For other complaints, OIG will conduct a preliminary inquiry to determine if further investigation is necessary or appropriate. As part of this process, OIG may contact the complainant for additional or clarifying information (if the complaint was not filed anonymously). Please note that following a preliminary inquiry a complaint: may be closed where none of the allegations can be substantiated; may result in an investigation; or may inform OIG’s oversight through an audit, inspection, or evaluation.
Certain complaints not addressed by OIG
Certain complaints fall within the authority of other FCA program offices. When OIG receives one of these complaints, it will inform the complainant or, in the case of an anonymous complaint, refer the complaint to the appropriate FCA office. These include:
Borrower rights complaints: Individuals may contact FCA’s Office of Congressional and Public Affairs if they believe a Farm Credit System institution has violated their rights as a borrower. For information on how to do so, see FCA's borrower rights page.
Equal Employment Opportunity complaints: Individuals may contact FCA’s Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Inclusion if they believe they have been unlawfully discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information, or retaliated against for prior EEO activity. For information on how to do so, see FCA’s page on filing a discrimination complaint.
Protections for complainants
Federal law prohibits retaliation against federal employees and applicants for disclosing information to OIG that they reasonably believe evidences wrongdoing. However, individuals may be subject to disciplinary or other action for knowingly making a false complaint or providing false information.
For more information on protections for individuals who provide complaints and other information to OIG, see the FCA OIG’s whistleblower protections page.
