What counts as PPP and EIDL loan fraud
PPP and EIDL loan is run by the Small Business Administration. Common schemes include:
- Loans for businesses that did not exist
- Inflated payroll or employee counts
- Loan money spent on personal purchases
- Stolen identities used to apply
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 |
|---|---|
| SBA Office of Inspector General hotline | Fraud in PPP, EIDL and other SBA programs |
| National Center for Disaster Fraud | DOJ intake for pandemic relief fraud |
| America.gov/fraud (WHIP reward portal) | Required route if you want a WHIP award of $10,000–$30,000 |
Can you get a reward?
Yes. Small Business Administration 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 PPP and EIDL loan fraud is being prosecuted
States with the most PPP/EIDL announcements in our database since January 20, 2025; the largest amount named is $109M (alleged loss):
| State | Announcements |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 45 |
| Florida | 43 |
| Texas | 30 |
| Missouri | 30 |
| Louisiana | 29 |
| California | 27 |
| New York | 25 |
| New Jersey | 23 |
Recent PPP/EIDL fraud cases
Source: U.S. Department of Justice press releases. Charged cases are allegations. All 574 PPP/EIDL announcements
Frequently asked questions
Where do I report PPP and EIDL loan fraud?
SBA Office of Inspector General hotline: Fraud in PPP, EIDL and other SBA programs. National Center for Disaster Fraud: DOJ intake for pandemic relief fraud. 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 PPP and EIDL loan fraud?
Yes. Small Business Administration 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 PPP and EIDL loan 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 PPP and EIDL loan fraud prosecution?
Our database has 574 Justice Department announcements involving PPP and EIDL loan since January 20, 2025, counting each press release separately.