Fraud, waste and abuse is a commonly used phrase by both private and governmental bodies to describe losses that result from deficient and often illicit activities of others. Fraud is "the obtaining of a benefit through the intentional misrepresentation or concealment of material fact." Waste is "the incurring of unnecessary costs as a result of deficient managements, practices, and controls." Abuse is "the excessive or improper using of government resources."
The Missouri Office of Broadband Development (OBD) takes all accusations of waste, fraud, and abuse seriously and is committed to reducing their occurrences. OBD maintains a virtual hotline for receiving allegations of waste, fraud, and abuse in OBD programming. The virtual hotline is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Allegations may also be submitted via telephone Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, at 573-526-1028.
For instances of waste, fraud, and abuse in programs unrelated to an OBD contract, employee, or program, reports should be submitted to the Office of the Missouri State Auditor, Office of the Attorney General for the State of Missouri, or the Missouri Department of Social Services.