Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

Tips and complaints from employees and others are the most common way fraud, waste, and abuse of public resources are initially discovered. You may report an anonymous tip - however, investigations may be impeded or end if we cannot contact you for more details.

North Carolina state law (§126-84) encourages state employees to report fraud, waste, and abuse of state resources. Employees wishing to report complaints are protected from retaliation (§126-85). State law also keeps your identity confidential (§143-748), and it will NOT be released to the public.

What incidents should I report?

Fraud and misconduct activities include, but are not limited to, the following examples:

  • Any intentionally dishonest or deceitful act;
  • Misappropriation or theft of funds, supplies, or other resources;
  • Impropriety in handling or reporting of money or financial transactions;
  • Using Department resources or information for personal benefit;
  • Disclosing confidential and privileged Departmental information to outside parties;
  • Accepting or seeking anything of material value from contractors, vendors, sub-recipients, or persons providing services to, or in a contractual agreement with, the Department;
  • Falsification of employee time records;
  • Destruction, removal or inappropriate use of records, fixtures, equipment, or other Department resources; Falsification of costs or expenses on travel reimbursements, possibly resulting in perjury;
  • Forgery or alteration of Department records;
  • Any similar or related impropriety or malfeasance.

What information should I provide?

The interactive web form provides guidance and is the simplest method to report a tip. If you choose to email or mail your tip, then please include all relevant details we will need to investigate. For example, you should include:

  •        (WHO) the identity of the person, company, or organization;

  •        (WHAT) a description of the fraud, waste, or abuse that happened;

  •        (WHEN) dates these incidents happened;

  •        (WHERE) which agency, programs, or individuals were affected;

  •        (HOW) how did you learn about these events.

Please provide additional detail of potential witnesses, supporting documents, and other relevant information.

How to report Fraud, Waste, or Abuse

If you suspect fraud, waste, or abuse related to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality funds or programs, please contact, and report the tip through one of the channels below:

  •        Submit a tip now through the interactive web form

  •        Call the Fraud Hotline (919-707-8500)

  •        Email your tip to: DEQ.InternalAudit@deq.nc.gov

  •        Send a written tip to:

    •     North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality

          Office of Internal Audit

          Raleigh, NC 27603

The State Auditor's Tipline is another resource to report allegations.

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