The Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) follows HUD guidelines and internal ACOP policies to prevent, detect, investigate, and address fraud within public housing programs. Below is the step-by-step process for reporting fraud.
Step 1: Identify Fraud or Program Abuse
Fraud or abuse can include:
- False income reporting or misrepresentation.
- Unauthorized tenants living in a unit.
- Bribery, falsified documents, or intentional misreporting.
- Misuse of public housing funds by residents or staff.
- Subletting a public housing unit without authorization.
- Accepting anything of material value in exchange for program benefits.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Information
Before filing a fraud report, collect specific details to assist in the investigation:
- Names of involved individuals (tenant, employee, landlord, etc.).
- Address of the unit where fraud is occurring.
- Description of fraudulent activity (who, what, when, where, and how).
- Documents, photos, or any evidence supporting the claim (if applicable).
- Witnesses or other sources who can verify the claim.
Note: Anonymous reports are accepted but providing contact information may assist in a more thorough investigation.
Step 3: Submit a Fraud Report
Fraud can be reported using the following methods:
1. Report to RHA Directly:
- In-Person or Mail:
- Rockford Housing Authority
- Attn: Fraud Investigations
- 223 S. Winnebago Street, Rockford, IL 61102
- Phone: Call RHA’s Fraud Reporting Hotline (815-489-8549)
- Email: Send details to fwoitynek@rockfordha.org
- Online: Submit Online Report by clicking here
2. Report to HUD Office of Inspector General (OIG):
- Online: HUD OIG Fraud Reporting
- Phone: 1-800-347-3735
- Mail:
- HUD Inspector General Hotline
- 451 7th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20410
HUD investigates serious fraud cases where large financial losses or repeated violations occur.
Step 4: Investigation Process
Once a fraud report is received:
- RHA Reviews the Allegation
- All tips, complaints, or referrals are assessed for credibility.
- Investigations require at least one verifiable fact (e.g., employer name, bank records, unauthorized household members).
- Evidence Collection & Verification
- RHA may conduct interviews, site visits, and document reviews.
- The Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) system and third-party databases may be used to verify income and assets.
- Findings & Determination
- If fraud is confirmed:
- The tenant may be required to repay funds or face lease termination.
- Employees involved in fraud may face disciplinary action or criminal prosecution.
- If no fraud is found: The case is closed with no further action.
Step 5: Enforcement & Penalties
Depending on the severity of fraud, RHA may impose one or more penalties:
- Repayment Agreements: Tenants may have to repay underpaid rent.
- Lease Termination: Tenants who commit repeated fraud may be evicted.
- Prosecution: Severe fraud cases may be referred to local, state, or federal authorities for criminal prosecution.
Step 6: Appeal Process (If Applicable)
If a tenant disagrees with RHA’s fraud determination, they may:
- Request an informal hearing or grievance meeting within 10 business days of receiving the fraud decision.
- Provide additional documentation or evidence to support their case.
Important Notes:
- Confidentiality: RHA protects the identity of those who report fraud.
- No Retaliation: Tenants, employees, or the public cannot face retaliation for reporting fraud in good faith.
If you suspect fraud in the Rockford Housing Authority’s public housing program, report it immediately to RHA or HUD OIG to help maintain integrity in housing assistance.
