What is Fraud?
Fraud is the purposeful act of deception, misrepresentation, or cover-up in order to gain something of value. The intent to deceive is high despite knowing an act is illegal.
What is Waste?
Waste is the overuse of services or the misuse of resources. The intent to deceive is low.
What is Abuse?
Abuse is too much or the wrong use of services not normal to an agency. Abuse refers to action(s) that may not be dishonest but still causes financial loss. The intent to deceive is in the middle. More information about elder abuse.
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The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) requires agencies who receive Medicaid funding to actively detect and prevent Medicare and Medicaid Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA). All reports of Fraud, Waste, and Abuse may be made anonymously. To report Medicare fraud call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. Or visit https://www.medicare.gov/forms
Federal Trade Commission will accept complaints about fraud, scams, phishing, identity theft, unwanted telemarketing, credit or debt issues, or other unfair business practices may be submitted by email at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov
