Wrigley Association

City Auditor Doud Revitalizes Fraud Hotline (888) FRAUD 07

Requests the Public's Assistance in Reporting Fraud

For Immediate Release Contact: Olivia Silva Maiser
562/ 570-6434

July 11, 2007

City Auditor Laura Doud Revitalizes Fraud Hotline (888) FRAUD 07
Requests the Public's Assistance in Reporting Fraud

Long Beach, Ca. ?¿½ Long Beach City Auditor Laura Doud announced today that she has revitalized the Long Beach City Auditor Fraud Hotline. The announcement was made on the July 11 edition of Straight Talk hosted by Art Levine.

"I am committed to ensuring that the City operates with the highest level of integrity and service in meeting our responsibilities to the citizens of Long Beach. As a Certified Fraud Examiner I know the existence of fraud is much greater than most people realize. I appeal to the public - if you see or suspect fraudulent, illegal or unethical activity against the City of Long Beach, don't ignore it-- report it."

A 2006 Association of Fraud Examiners report noted that 48.5 % of frauds that are uncovered in government agencies are detected by 'tips'. The report also states that a typical organization, such as a city, loses 5% of its annual revenues to occupational fraud. With annual revenues of over $1.5 billion, the City of Long Beach could lose $75 million to fraud every year.

The Fraud Hotline is operational 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Fraud reports can be made by calling toll free 888/ FRAUD 07 or 888/ 372-8307 and callers will speak to a live operator, not a voice mail system. All calls can be anonymous and reports will be taken by an independent third party representative, not city employees. More information can be found at www.cityauditorlauradoud.com

"We realize that reporting fraud is a very serious action for a city employee or members of the public at large. It is important for the Fraud Hotline to provide the callers with the greatest level of privacy when making a report."

The edition of Straight Talk in which the City Auditor announces the City Auditor Fraud Hotline airs in Long Beach on Wednesday, July 11 at 7pm on Charter Cable Channel 3 and will be repeated Thursday, July 12 and Sunday, July 15 at 7pm. The show can be seen anytime at the website?¿½www.straighttalktv.com.

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