INDEPENDENT CITY AUDITOR. REPORTING DIRECTLY TO THE RESIDENTS.

Hey, Oaklanders!

Did you know that next week is International Fraud Awareness Week? Every year in mid-November (and all year round), fraud fighters like you work to increase awareness and strategies for combating fraud within our City government.

This year, the Office of the City Auditor is hosting an educational training session and an interactive community empowerment event.

Join us on Wednesday, November 19th, from 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. on Zoom to learn what constitutes fraud, waste, and abuse, and how combating these issues contributes to maintaining the integrity of our City. This training is a unique opportunity to learn and grow in your role as a fraud fighter.

In this short, forty-five minute virtual session, we will:

• Hear directly from City Auditor Michael Houston why increased awareness of suspected fraud, waste, and abuse is especially important during this time.
• Meet your Whistleblower Program Manager, Orsolya Kovesdi, and learn how to report suspected fraud, waste, and abuse confidentially, correctly, and securely.
• Play a short trivia game aimed at helping you understand what constitutes government fraud, waste, and abuse.
  

Winners of the trivia game will have the opportunity to enjoy coffee/tea, or lunch with City Auditor Michael Houston, where they can share their thoughts, concerns, or ideas on improving the City, or simply get to know him better.

Click here to register for and attend the virtual Twilight Training next Wednesday!

Reminder! If You See Something, Say Something: Report Suspected Fraud, Waste, and Abuse 

The 2025 Oakland Integrity Assessment is also a reminder: “If you see something, say something” regarding fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement.

The City Auditor’s Whistleblower Program is here to help build a more ethical environment for everyone. Orsolya Kovesdi, our Whistleblower Program Manager, is your dedicated contact for any fraud, waste, or abuse issues. She has over 10 years of experience in local government auditing, has managed our Whistleblower Hotline for over four years, and has conducted numerous investigations, resulting in the publication of many investigation reports.

REAL-LIFE EXAMPLES OF FRAUD, WASTE, AND ABUSE INCLUDE:

• Lying, cheating, and stealing at a cost to the City.
• Accepting bribes or “kickbacks” by City employees.
• Purchasing unneeded or overpriced goods with City funds.
• Leaving City property and equipment unsecured.
• Using City facilities for unauthorized personal reasons.
• Providing unfair advantages for City jobs or contracts.
• Submitting fictitious invoices for personal goods and services.
• Stealing City property, such as inventory or supplies.
• Falsely reporting expenses for reimbursement.
• Using City vehicles to conduct personal business.
• Falsifying timecards – reporting time not worked.

Reporting is simple and secure. The Whistleblower Hotline, operated independently by EthicsPoint, ensures you can report concerns anonymously, confidentially, and safely—either online or by calling the hotline (888-329-6390).

The service is available 24/7, year-round, and supports multiple languages.