Stimulus fraud hotline available for Oklahomans

By Staff Reports - 11/4/2009


Oklahomans can now report stimulus fraud by calling a hotline, Sheldon J. Sperling, United States attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma said in a release.

“This is a one-stop reporting line, with whistle-blower protection, to report what is not right," Sperling said. "Experience has shown that when large amounts of money are doled out over a short period of time, some people try to exploit the system and criminally profit. Some people steal. In Oklahoma, we want to discourage theft, not just catch people after they’ve helped themselves to the bank vault,” Sperling said.

Sperling said other efforts also are being made to prevent fraud, including forming a Stimulus Funding Fraud Prevention Working Group in Oklahoma and expanding the Major Frauds statute.

“Our government is spending way more than we take in," Sperling said. "If we are going to deficit-spend for a less painful present, the money better not be stolen.”

To report fraud about any government spending, including stimulus or new government spending, call 1-877-259-7337.


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Tulsa World Reader Comments
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FS, Broken Arrow (11/4/2009 12:03:40 PM)
Somebody call and turn in Queen Kathy.

Undeniable Truth, (11/4/2009 1:32:55 PM)
It's all so ironic, I'm not sure what to say.

okierose, Tulsa County (11/4/2009 1:33:11 PM)
FS: You're funny! I see lots of projects, but how would I know if a project is fraudulent. There's usually no sign posted when it is a project being paid with stimulus money. But if someone knows for sure, I hope they call.

oldrustytulsa, Tulsa (11/4/2009 1:39:22 PM)
Yeah, look at all the Road and Bridge construction.are they just tearing up good roads and then repairing them over again?

Few Clothes, America (11/4/2009 4:49:51 PM)
Hopefully none of them has been paid. If so, they will go out for cigarettes and never come back.

FS, Broken Arrow (11/5/2009 9:02:39 AM)
okierose, Tulsa County (11/4/2009 1:33:11 PM) FS: You're funny! I see lots of projects, but how would I know if a project is fraudulent. There's usually no sign posted when it is a project being paid with stimulus money. But if someone knows for sure, I hope they call ______________________________ I was thinking more along the line of the shell game played with the cops recently. Having a layoff only to rehire the same people with money from a different source doesn't sound much like "more cops on the street" to me.



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