OHA FRAUD
INVESTIGATIONS UNIT
(510) 535-3155
Don’t risk losing your opportunity to receive subsidized housing by
providing false, incomplete or inaccurate information on your application and
recertification forms.
Suspected
Fraud or Abuse
The Oakland Housing Authority Police
Department places a high priority on preventing fraud and assuring that housing
assistance payments are paid only on behalf of qualified and eligible
participants. The Fraud Investigations Unit investigates suspected program
abuse or misconduct for both Section 8 and Conventional Housing. The
Investigations Unit consists of two full time Detectives and a collections
officer, who are supervised by a Sergeant. Upon receiving a complaint, a
Detective or Sergeant will be assigned to the case and an investigation will
ensue.
Beware of
Fraud
You should be aware of the following
fraud schemes:
- Do not pay any money to file an
application for housing assistance
- Do not pay money to move up on the
waiting list
- Do not pay for anything not covered
by your lease
- Get a receipt for any money you pay
- Get a written explanation if you are
required to pay any money other than rent (such as maintenance charges)
- Report all income at annual
certifications
- Do not sublease your unit
- Report changes in your family
composition as required by OHA
Penalties
for Committing Fraud
- Possible eviction from your
apartment or house or loss of your Section 8 voucher
- Requirement to repay all overpaid
rental assistance you received
- Up to five (5) years imprisonment
and/or
- Any future participation in a housing
assistance program shall be prohibited
Owner
Participation
The owners and landlords that
participate in the Section 8 Program are also subject to review to verify that
they are following the terms of the Housing Assistance Payment Contract. Owners
must show proof of current title and must report any property transfers and/or
properties that have been foreclosed on immediately to OHA. Any Housing
Assistance Payments received after the property has changed ownership must be
returned immediately to OHA to avoid possible criminal prosecution and
collection remedies.
You Can
Help By Reporting Fraud
Help keep the money where it belongs—assisting
families in need who meet program qualifications. You are encourages to report
incidences of fraud promptly while the facts are still fresh in your mind. The
OHA Fraud Hotline at (510)
535-3155 and OHAPD’s online fraud reporting form are
each confidential ways to report fraud. Provide as much information as you
can. Describe what happened in detail. Around what dates did you
notice the suspect activity? Why does it appear to you to be fraud?
Are there documents that support your claim (such as a side contract between
the owner and tenant, a phone bill proving residence at another location,
etc.)? Also, it's very helpful if you have the names and contact
information of people willing to talk to a detective. Reports that are too
vague or can’t be supported by documentation and/or corroborating witnesses may
result in having to close the investigation without any action being
taken. You do not have to give us
your name. Even if you do, it will be kept confidential.
All
Reports Are Kept Confidential
The information that you provide to
OHAPD is strictly confidential. When information is brought forward
about possible fraud, the detective conducts an independent
investigation--without revealing the name of any person that has brought
information to OHAPD's attention. In conducting the investigation, Primary
Investigating Officer (PIO) may review documents, interview neighbors,
employers and others, conduct surveillance, and question suspects. The
PIO may review police records, use computer databases of information such as
income, assets, and places of residence, and work with other law enforcement
agencies.
If the PIO finds that a case cannot
be proven without using information that would reveal the identity of the
informant, the PIO will contact you for permission to release your identity. If
you don't give permission, your name will not be used but the case may not be
able to go forward.
Because of confidentiality
requirements, OHAPD is not able to make any statements regarding the status of
any investigation or results. Investigations and the process of
terminating housing assistance and prosecuting the offender can be
lengthy. Don't assume that no action is being taken simply because you
continue to see the family living in the same unit.