City of Hamilton Fraud and Waste Hotline continues to show value

HAMILTON, ON - The City of Hamilton’s Fraud and Waste hotline saw almost double the calls from last year and helped verify $132,000 in fraud and waste says a report from the City’s Office of the Auditor General (OAG).

According to the OAG’s fourth annual report about the efficacy of the Fraud and Waste hotline presented today at the City’s Audit, Finance & Administration committee, the hotline received and assessed a record number of 159 reports between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023.

The reports resulted in 13 investigations being launched by the OAG. Among the results from these investigations, there were nine employee terminations – the highest number of terminations in one reporting year – five employee resignations, four other disciplinary actions taken, and the verification of $110,000 in fraud and $22,000 waste.

The hotline continues to provide the public, City employees, contractors and vendors with a convenient, confidential and anonymous tool to report suspicion or proof of wrongdoing. It also supports the City’s goal of managing instances of fraud and waste within the organization and operating with honesty and integrity.

Quick Facts

• The Fraud and Waste Hotline launched in July 2019 as a pilot project and was made permanent by City Council in March 2023.
• A total of $1,287,000 of loss and waste has been substantiated since the Fraud and Waste Hotline was launched. Approximately $35,900 has been recovered through repayments, restitution or asset recovery.
• Fraud and Waste Report findings from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 include:
  • 159 reports received (431 reports total since the hotline launched in July 2019)
  • 48 per cent of reporters self-identified as an employee 52% from the public
  • 31 per cent substantiation rate of reports received
  • 13 investigations launched by OAG