What counts as housing assistance fraud
Housing assistance is run by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, with states handling eligibility and day-to-day payments. Common schemes include:
- Hiding income or household members to get or keep rental assistance
- Landlords collecting subsidies for empty or substandard units
- Fraud in rental relief and housing grants
Honest mistakes and disputes over a single bill are not fraud. Fraud means someone knowingly took money they were not entitled to.
Where to report it
| Contact | Handles |
|---|---|
| HUD Office of Inspector General hotline | Fraud in public housing, vouchers and HUD grants |
| America.gov/fraud (WHIP reward portal) | Required route if you want a WHIP award of $10,000–$30,000 |
Because states run housing assistance day to day, your state agency is often the fastest route. Each state's page in the fraud case database lists its reporting contacts.
Can you get a reward?
Yes. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs are covered by the federal Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program (WHIP): a written tip that leads to criminal charges can earn $10,000–$30,000. For larger frauds, the False Claims Act pays 15–30% of what the government recovers.
- WHIP: submit in writing at America.gov/fraud, include your contact details, and do not take part in the fraud. Step-by-step guide.
- False Claims Act: a sealed lawsuit filed through a lawyer; worthwhile mainly for frauds of $1 million or more. Compare the routes.
- State laws: many states have their own false claims acts. Check your state's page in the case database.
Estimate your own case with the reward calculator.
What to include in your report
- Who: names of people and businesses, addresses, provider or license numbers if you have them
- What: the service, benefit or loan involved and what was wrong with it
- When and how often, and roughly how much money
- How you know: what you saw, and any documents or photos you are allowed to share
Where housing assistance fraud is being prosecuted
States with the most Housing announcements in our database since January 20, 2025; the largest amount named is $12M (alleged loss):
| State | Announcements |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 6 |
| Florida | 3 |
| California | 2 |
| Georgia | 2 |
| Alabama | 2 |
| Pennsylvania | 2 |
| Idaho | 2 |
| Missouri | 1 |
Recent Housing fraud cases
Source: U.S. Department of Justice press releases. Charged cases are allegations. All 30 Housing announcements
Frequently asked questions
Where do I report housing assistance fraud?
HUD Office of Inspector General hotline: Fraud in public housing, vouchers and HUD grants. America.gov/fraud (WHIP reward portal): Required route if you want a WHIP award of $10,000–$30,000.
Can I get a reward for reporting housing assistance fraud?
Yes. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs are covered by the federal Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program (WHIP): a written tip that leads to criminal charges can earn $10,000–$30,000. For larger frauds, the False Claims Act pays 15–30% of what the government recovers.
Can I report housing assistance fraud anonymously?
Most inspector general hotlines accept anonymous tips. To be paid a WHIP award, though, you must give contact information and disclose your identity to the Justice Department before payment; you can stay anonymous during the process only through a lawyer.
How common is housing assistance fraud prosecution?
Our database has 30 Justice Department announcements involving housing assistance since January 20, 2025, counting each press release separately.