Fraud Reporting
The City of St. John’s takes fraud seriously. If you have reason to believe fraud involving City funds, property, or services has occurred, you can report it.
What is fraud?
Fraud is the intentional use of deception to gain money, property, or services from the City.
Examples include:
- Falsifying records or documents
- Misuse of City resources
- Theft or misappropriation of funds or property
- Undisclosed conflicts of interest
- Collusion with vendors
Fraud does not include:
- Unintentional errors or negligence
- Poor performance
Who can report?
Anyone can report suspected fraud, including members of the public and City employees.
Reports can be made anonymously but providing detailed and timely information helps support a thorough review.
How to report?
If you suspect fraud involving the City, contact the Fraud Hotline at reportfraud@stjohns.ca.
This service is only for matters related to City operations. For personal theft, scams, or other non-City issues, please contact the appropriate authority, such as police or provincial agencies.
What happens after I report?
All reports are reviewed by the Office of the City Internal Auditor.
Investigations are handled confidentially and may involve other City departments or external agencies where appropriate. Individuals involved are given an opportunity to respond.
The City will take immediate action on reports to prevent theft, as well as alteration or destruction of relevant evidence, including any records.
At the conclusion of the investigation, the City Internal Auditor will provide the City Manager with recommendations to address any underlying causes and to correct internal control deficiencies.
Any communication of fraud investigations must comply with the City's obligation to protect the privacy of its employees and to comply with all provisions of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. This includes legal and personnel matters. Council may decide to release the results of significant investigations that relate to the organization's public accountability.
Protection from Reprisal
The City supports anyone who reports suspected fraud in good faith. Reprisals or retaliation will not be tolerated.
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