National Report General Service Administration (GSA) Fraud Day
National Report General Service Administration (GSA) Fraud Day brings much-needed attention to the fraud issues within the GSA government program. This day emphasizes the importance of recognizing and combating fraud, which costs the U.S.
Position your compliance, legal, or audit services as trusted partners in fraud prevention and whistleblower protection during this awareness month.
- Webinar: How to Build a Whistleblower-Friendly Compliance Culture
- Infographic: The $350B Cost of Government Fraud & How to Spot Red Flags
- Case Study: Real Whistleblower Wins & Lessons for Your Organization
- Email Series: Compliance Leaders' Guide to GSA Fraud Prevention
National Report General Service Administration (GSA) Fraud Day started in 2018, thanks to Joel Hesch. He was a former U.S. Department of Justice attorney who spent over 15 years working in the whistleblower reward office.
During his career, Hesch helped recover more than $1.5 billion lost to fraud. He founded this day to fight fraud and support whistleblowers.
The 1986 False Claims Act amendments played a crucial role in encouraging whistleblowers. These amendments provided incentives for people to report fraud.
In 2010, the U.S. Congress established the whistleblower program, further supporting this cause. Hesch saw the need for a specific day to focus on GSA fraud, which led to the creation of this national day.
Each year, about 10% of government spending is lost to fraud, amounting to roughly $350 billion. National Report GSA Fraud Day aims to reduce this loss by educating the public on how to identify and report fraudulent activities.
The day also highlights the significant rewards whistleblowers can receive for their valuable information, thus encouraging more people to come forward.
Learn About Whistleblower Programs
Dive into the world of whistleblowers! Spend some time reading about government whistleblower programs. This could be an eye-opener for many. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and educate yourself on how these programs work and their impact on society.
Spot the Fraud
Put on your detective hat! Learn to identify common GSA fraud schemes. It can be as fun as a puzzle. Check out resources that explain different fraud tactics, so you can spot them from a mile away.
Spread the Word
Be the town crier for a day. Tell your friends, family, and coworkers about National Report GSA Fraud Day. Share interesting facts and stories about whistleblowers. Use social media to amplify your message.
Report Suspicious Activities
Got a hunch something fishy is going on? Don’t just sit there! Report any suspected GSA fraud to the proper authorities. Your tip could save taxpayers a lot of money. Plus, you might even earn a reward.
Read Whistleblower Stories
Get inspired by reading true stories of whistleblowers who made a difference. Many faced big risks but stood up for what’s right. Their bravery can be motivational and encourage others to do the same.
Host a Discussion
Organize a small gathering or an online meet-up to discuss GSA fraud and whistleblowing. Invite experts or watch informative videos together. It’s a great way to learn and engage with others on this important topic.
Support Whistleblower Organizations
Consider donating to organizations that support whistleblowers. These groups provide legal help and other resources to those who come forward with crucial information. Your contribution can make a big difference. Guarding Public Trust: Key Facts About GSA Fraud RisksThe General Services Administration (GSA) oversees vast federal resources, from real estate and procurement to large-scale vendor programs.These facts highlight the scale of its operations, the areas most vulnerable to fraud, and the legal tools designed to protect taxpayer funds and ensure accountability.GSA Manages One of the World’s Largest Real Estate Portfolios The U.S. General Services Administration controls more than 8,800 owned and leased properties, providing about 376 million rentable square feet of space for over 1 million federal employees. This vast portfolio, spanning courthouses, office buildings, and laboratories, makes real estate contracts and leasing arrangements a major focus for internal controls and potential fraud risk. The Federal Supply Schedules Create a Massive Marketplace GSA’s Multiple Award Schedules program functions like a government-wide shopping mall, giving agencies access to millions of commercial products and services from thousands of vendors under pre-negotiated pricing and terms. Because orders are placed directly by agencies without re-competing every buy, misuse of pricing, product substitution, and false discounting are recognized risk areas for procurement fraud. The False Claims Act Grew Out of Civil War Contracting Abuses The main law used today against fraud in federal contracting, including GSA contracts, dates back to 1863 when Congress acted to curb rampant cheating by Civil War suppliers who sold the Union Army defective goods at inflated prices. Strengthened in 1986, the False Claims Act allows private whistleblowers to sue on the government’s behalf and receive a share of recoveries, which has turned it into the federal government’s most powerful civil tool against contract fraud. Whistleblowers Drive Most False Claims Act Recoveries In modern enforcement, the majority of money the U.S. recovers under the False Claims Act stems from lawsuits first filed by whistleblowers rather than by the government acting alone. In fiscal year 2022, for example, over $1.9 billion of the roughly $2.2 billion in settlements and judgments came from whistleblower-initiated cases, showing how central insider tips are to uncovering complex schemes involving government contracts and billing. GSA Has Its Own Inspector General Focused on Fraud and Abuse Because of the scale of its buying power, GSA maintains an independent Office of Inspector General that conducts audits, investigations, and hotline operations to detect fraud, waste, and abuse in its programs. The GSA OIG routinely reports on contract overbilling, misrepresentation of pricing, and improper use of government purchase cards, and it refers cases for civil or criminal action when warranted. A Las Vegas Conference Scandal Transformed GSA Oversight A GSA training conference held near Las Vegas in 2010 triggered one of the agency’s most publicized scandals when an Inspector General report found excessive spending on luxury accommodations, entertainment, and gifts. The revelations led to the resignation of the GSA Administrator in 2012 and prompted tighter controls on travel, conferences, and acquisition oversight, becoming a case study in how weak internal controls can invite both waste and fraud. Federal Leaders Declared a “War on Waste and Fraud” Decades Ago Concerns about fraud and abuse in government programs are not new. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter told a National Conference on Fraud, Abuse, and Error that his administration had declared “war on waste and fraud in Government programs,” emphasizing that every dollar lost to dishonest contractors or improper payments reduced resources for legitimate public needs. That speech helped frame fraud control as a bipartisan, long-term responsibility rather than a temporary campaign. National Report General Service Administration (GSA) Fraud Day FAQsWhat is the General Services Administration (GSA) and why is it so central to federal fraud risks? The U.S. General Services Administration is the federal government’s purchasing and property management agency. It negotiates and manages large contracts, vehicle and travel programs, office space, and technology for civilian agencies. Because GSA handles high‑dollar contracts and purchase card programs on behalf of many agencies, weaknesses in its controls or contractor behavior can lead to fraud, waste, or abuse that affects taxpayers across the entire federal government. [1] What are common red flags of fraud in federal procurement and GSA contracting? Experts on federal procurement note warning signs such as inflated or consistently above‑market prices, split purchases to stay below competition thresholds, false claims about small‑business or disadvantaged‑business status, product substitution or delivery of lower‑quality items than specified, and suspiciously close relationships between vendor staff and government officials. Unusual patterns in purchase card transactions, repetitive awards to the same vendor without clear justification, and falsified invoices or certifications also appear frequently in inspector general and oversight reports. [1]How does the False Claims Act help expose fraud involving GSA or other federal contracts? The federal False Claims Act makes it illegal to knowingly submit false or fraudulent claims for payment to the United States. It includes “qui tam” provisions that allow private whistleblowers to file lawsuits on the government’s behalf and share in any recovery, often between 15 and 30 percent of the funds the government recovers. This framework has been one of the federal government’s primary tools for uncovering and deterring fraud involving contracts, grant programs, and other payments, including work performed under GSA‑managed contracts. [1] How can someone report suspected fraud involving GSA programs or contracts? Suspected fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement involving GSA employees, programs, or contractors can be reported directly to the GSA Office of Inspector General. Reports may be submitted through the GSA OIG fraud hotline by phone or via an online form, and the office has the authority to investigate allegations related to GSA contracts and activities. More complex schemes that involve multiple agencies or criminal conduct may also be referred to the Department of Justice or other law enforcement partners. [1] Are reports to the GSA Office of Inspector General hotline confidential, and can they be anonymous? The GSA Office of Inspector General states that individuals may report allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement and request confidentiality. The OIG explains it has special procedures to protect the identity of confidential sources to the extent permitted by law, and it accepts anonymous complaints as well. At the same time, the office notes that some information submitted electronically may not be fully secure, so complainants should weigh how much personal information they provide online. [1] What protections exist for federal contractors or employees who blow the whistle on GSA‑related fraud? Several federal laws protect employees and certain contractors who report suspected fraud or misuse of federal funds. Statutes such as the Whistleblower Protection Act and contractor whistleblower provisions prohibit retaliation, like firing, demotion, or harassment for making protected disclosures about fraud, waste, or abuse. In addition, individuals who bring False Claims Act cases can seek relief in court if they suffer retaliation for lawful acts done in furtherance of a whistleblower suit or efforts to stop violations of the Act. [1]How do inspector general reports show the real‑world impact of GSA fraud cases? Semiannual reports from the GSA Office of Inspector General describe actual investigations involving fraudulent billing, misuse of purchase cards, false statements, and contract irregularities. These reports typically detail criminal charges, civil settlements, recoveries of misused funds, and corrective actions taken by agencies. They illustrate how individual fraud schemes can lead to prison sentences, fines, restitution orders, and suspension or debarment of contractors, while also prompting changes to procurement controls to reduce the risk of similar fraud in the future. [1]