New Billboards Urge Public to Report Wrongdoing by Public Officials and Private Contractors

SACRAMENTO, CA—When you know of public corruption or government fraud, who should you call? New billboards have been installed along Highway 99 in Fresno and Bakersfield to alert the public of the toll-free number that enables individuals to report these crimes to the Sacramento Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Sacramento FBI).

“Individuals with an awareness of wrongdoing may not know that they can report their observations, let alone know who to report the activity to,” said Supervisory Special Agent Malcolm Palmore. “The majority of public officials are truly committed to the communities they serve; however, the toll-free number simplifies the reporting process and ensures that we can act as necessary to investigate allegations and bring those who exploit their public positions—elected and appointed—for personal or private gain.”

The Sacramento FBI’s toll-free hotline—855-4-NO-PCGF (855-466-7243)—was launched approximately one year ago to streamline reporting of public corruption and government fraud in the 34 counties that the Sacramento FBI serves. The "855 for no public corruption and government fraud" hotline offers the public one number to remember. The Sacramento FBI then routes the calls to the appropriate agent in the area where the alleged crime has occurred or is occurring.

While it is possible for a tipster to remain anonymous should an investigation lead to indictment, callers are asked to leave their names, telephone numbers, and brief descriptions of their concerns and observations on the voicemail line to initiate communication. Agents review voicemail daily and contact callers for follow-up when needed.

What is public corruption and government fraud? Public corruption and government fraud are white-collar crimes that can impact national security and our way of life. Such activity wastes billions of tax dollars annually. Examples of these crimes include bribery, extortion, embezzlement, racketeering, kickbacks, and money laundering, as well as wire, mail, bank, and tax fraud. The FBI remains committed to ensuring that such behavior is fully investigated and, if necessary, prosecuted under the law.