About USAC

Contact USAC

Submit a Whistleblower Alert

Assuring effective stewardship of the federal universal service programs by guarding against misuse or waste is a priority shared by USAC, the FCC, and Congress, as well as program applicants, service providers, and the general public. To that end, this page allows applicants, service providers, contributors, and others to alert USAC to instances when universal service support is possibly being misapplied or program rule violations might exist.

If you are aware of waste, fraud, or abuse of universal service support, USAC encourages you to report it. USAC treats each report of waste, fraud, or abuse as a serious and urgent matter requiring immediate attention.

If you would like to report an instance of waste, fraud, or abuse, please follow the procedures outlined below. USAC has other means for submitting a question or complaint.

What kinds of things should I report?

Instances of universal service support being misapplied, mismanaged, or violations of law, rules, or regulations by program participants or service providers.

If you have information about a household receiving more than one Lifeline Program discounted service, please contact the FCC's Lifeline Fraud Tip Line at (855) 455-8477 or via email.

What are my rights?

All reports are considered confidential. Laws protect you from reprisals (i.e., any action taken against you because you filed this report).

What should I expect?

If you believe there is a misuse of funds or a violation of rules:

  1. Contact USAC as described below.
      • If calling, tell the operator you want to report a "whistleblower alert" concerning universal service waste, fraud, or abuse. You will be connected to specially trained staff who will record your report.
      • If submitting via email or via U.S. mail, please reference "whistleblower alert" and the name of the program in your report. USAC staff will respond to your submission.
  1. The USAC staff person who contacts you will ask a series of questions to obtain as much information about the situation as possible.
      • You may choose to remain anonymous. If you opt to identify yourself so USAC can contact you for additional information, we will make every effort to maintain confidentiality as the investigation proceeds. If appropriate or required by law, USAC will turn over information related to whistleblower alerts and results of our investigation to the FCC or law enforcement.
  1. After your report is received, it will be investigated. Because the report and investigation are confidential, USAC is not at liberty to provide the status or outcome of the investigation.
Whistleblower Alert Contact Information

Program

Phone

Email

Online

U.S. Mail

Contributors, High Cost, Lifeline, or Rural Health Care

(888) 641-8722

Submit an Email

Submit Online

Universal Service Administrative Co.
700 12th Street, NW
Suite 900
Washington, DC 20005

Schools and Libraries

(888) 203-8100

 

Submit Online

FCC Lifeline Fraud Tip Line
(What is the Tip Line?)

(855) 455-8477

Submit an Email