Fraud, Waste or Abuse (FWA) is a potential problem that can drain significant resources and ultimately rob American taxpayers.           

Everyone plays a role in stopping these practices.

Fraud, Waste or Abuse - Defined

FRAUD
Any intentional deception designed to unlawfully deprive the United States of something of value or to secure from the United States for an individual a benefit, privilege, allowance, or consideration to which he or she is not entitled.

Such practices include, but are not limited to, the offer, payment, or acceptance of bribes or gratuities; making false statements; submitting false claims; using false weights or measures; evading or corrupting inspectors or other officials; deceit either by suppressing the truth or misrepresenting material fact; adulterating or substituting materials; falsifying records and books of accounts; arranging for secret profits, kickbacks, or commissions; and conspiring to use any of these devices.

The term also includes conflict of interest cases, criminal irregularities, and the unauthorized disclosure of official information relating to procurement and disposal matters.


WASTE
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.


ABUSE
The intentional or improper use of government resources that can include the excessive or improper use of one's position, in a manner contrary to its rightful or legally intended use. Examples include misuse of rank, position, or authority or misuse of DoD resources.

Reporting FWA

FWA hotlines provide personnel with a confidential means of reporting suspicious activity concerning FWA and employee or management misconduct. Identity of the individual making a FWA disclosure is protected and you may remain anonymous.

The DoD Hotline provides a avenue for individuals to report allegations of wrongdoing pertaining to programs, personnel, and operations that fall under the purview of the Department of Defense, pursuant to the Inspector General Act of 1978. Anyone, including members of the public and Department of Defense employees (military members, civilian employees, and DoD contractor employees) may file a complaint with the DoD Hotline.

Although you may contact the
DoD Hotline at any time, a more expeditious route towards resolution might best be served by FIRST CONTACTING YOUR LOCAL OR COMMAND-LEVEL INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE.

FWA Contact Information
FWA Policy

The Air Force policy on Fraud, Waste or Abuse is to use all available means to prevent, detect, and correct instances of FWA; to appropriately discipline perpetrators involved in FWA activities; and to recoup, if possible, losses of cash, property, and services resulting from FWA.

The primary elements of a FWA prevention and detection program exist within the Air Force in the audit, inspection, investigation, legal, and security areas.