Have you observed something about the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) that doesn't seem right? We want to know. As part of MTD's commitment to accountability to the taxpayers and residents of the District, we ask that you report activities that you believe are or may result in fraud, waste, or abuse, or significant violations of MTD policies, regulations, or rules. Please help us by reporting fraud, waste, and abuse by MTD employees, or on MTD vehicles or properties, below.

What are fraud, waste, and abuse?

Fraud, for purposes of this reporting process, is an intentional act of deceit or dishonesty, or misrepresentation of a material fact, by which a benefit is obtained for the District, or where a benefit is obtained because of an individual's duties or functions within the District. Fraud may also be made by an omission or purposeful failure to state material facts, when nondisclosure makes other statements misleading. Fraud can take many forms, such as bribery, forgery, theft, corruption, conspiracy, misappropriation of funds or resources, false representation, concealment of material facts, and collusion. Fraud may also involve misuse of District time or assets, or other situations in which non-monetary benefits are obtained. Falsifying an invoice or travel voucher to obtain reimbursement for expenses that were not incurred, or that do not relate to MTD business, is an example of fraud.

Waste generally involves inappropriate management of government resources or funds that causes taxpayers not to receive reasonable value for their money in connection with government-funded activities.

Abuse includes misuse of governmental authority or position for personal financial benefit or those of an immediate or close family member or business associate.

Fraud, waste, and abuse may or may not involve violations of the law.

What fraud allegations should be reported?

The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District will accept allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse involving the District, its officers, and its employees only.

Who may submit information related to an allegation of fraud?

Anyone who is part of, or interacts with, the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District may submit relevant information, including District employees, District contractors, and citizens or residents of the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District.

How can I report allegations of fraud?

  1. Complete the Fraud Reporting Form on the City of Champaign's website.

  2. E-mail legaldepartment@champaignil.gov with a description of the allegation. Please see the Fraud Reporting Form on the District's or the City's website above for help gathering your information.

  3. Call the City of Champaign Legal Department at 217.403.8765 during business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and ask to speak to an attorney.

  4. Send a written report via the U.S. Postal Service to the following address:

Fraud Reporting
City of Champaign Legal Department
102 N. Neil St., 5th Floor
Champaign, IL 61820

Am I required to identify myself?

No. The City of Champaign reviews all information submitted, even anonymously, to determine whether the issue falls within their jurisdiction and whether follow-up action is appropriate. However, if you choose not to identify yourself, the District's and City's ability to follow up on your allegations may be limited.

If I identify myself, will the City keep my identity confidential?

No. Your identity may be revealed to persons outside the City of Champaign. The City may refer allegations of fraud to law enforcement authorities or other governmental entities with jurisdiction over the alleged fraud. The City Legal Department will review each allegation to determine whether it will be referred to Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District's Human Resources and/or passed on to another appropriate law enforcement or investigatory entity.

Whistleblower protections may be available to you if your identity is revealed and you suffer retaliation as a result of your allegation. However, you may wish to withhold identifying information if you believe referral to another agency may jeopardize you in some way.

What if I believe I have evidence of a crime?

The City of Champaign Legal Department is not an investigatory or law enforcement agency. If you believe you have evidence of a crime involving a District officer or employee, you should report your information to local law enforcement or the Champaign County State's Attorney's Office.

Please note that the City of Champaign Legal Department cannot give legal advice to individuals reporting allegations of fraud.