MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

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November 4, 2009

Hotline established to report stimulus fraud

Federal investigators and prosecutors have set up a “fraud buster” hotline — a statewide neighborhood watch program, said U.S. Attorney Sheldon Sperling.

A Stimulus Funding Fraud Prevention Working Group has been set up in Oklahoma. Federal cabinet agencies with inspectors general and agents who investigate fraud concerning their funding have pledged to investigate reports of theft involving stimulus money, Sperling said.

“In Oklahoma, we want to discourage theft, not just catch people after they’ve helped themselves to the bank vault,” Sperling said.

Congress expanded the major frauds statute to cover Troubled Asset Relief Program and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding, he said.

The reporting number is available now, before most stimulus money is delivered and spent, he said.

“Other than on roads, most of the stimulus money has not yet been distributed,” Sperling said. “Stimulus funding totaling some $2.6 billion will be coming to Oklahoma. This money will be spent by state, county, local and tribal officials.

Those who notice fraud concerning any government spending, and especially as to stimulus or new government spending, call toll-free: (877) 259-7337.

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