Waste, Fraud and Abuse Hotline now available in over 150 languages

Los Angeles City Controller, Wendy Greuel

Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Greuel implements new hotline to include over 150 languages to target misconduct.

By Brian W. Carter, Sentinel Staff Writer

On Tuesday, Nov 1, Los Angeles City Controller, Wendy Greuel announced a new weapon to help combat waste, fraud and abuse scams in Los Angeles. Greuel is opening the international lines of communication by implementing a feature that will allow over 150 languages into the hotline. Originally available in English and Spanish, the hotline will now be able to touch every corner of the city.

“I think what we have identified is the fact that there are some individuals who are preying on people in the community who may not speak the same language,” said Greuel.

Although it’s still under investigation how rampant the problem is in Los Angeles, this is definitely the time to address the issue.

“We want to ensure that people know that there is a place they can call.”

This newest feature comes after reports of bribery and misconduct within the city’s housing department went undetected due to tampering by a rogue city employee. The frauds were seemingly being perpetrated within the Korean community.

Greuel has been enforcing city ordinance requiring departments to report waste, fraud and abuse reports. She has also been evaluating the effectiveness of city departments in implementing audit recommendations.

“We are going to continue to watch,” said Greuel. “We have great city employees; we have so many who are fabulous.

“Unfortunately, there are others that will take advantage. So we just want to make sure that the public has confidence in the city of Los Angeles and that anyone who comes to a front desk or calls a number, that they are going to get a transparent and accountable process.

“We live in a diverse city, an international city. This is a resource for the public and to ensure that no one is preyed upon.”

It looks like whistleblowing will now be conducted in multiple tongues. Only time will tell if this will make the schemers and scammers close up shop.

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