Tip Line to Report ARRA Funding Fraud

June 10, 2010 - SAN JUAN, PR—Luis S. Fraticelli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office, announced the creation of an Economic Stimulus Fraud Tip Line in order to prevent and deter possible fraud and corruption associated with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Callers can use the tip line to report fraud or corruption related to the ARRA or other economic stimulus programs. When President Barack Obama signed the ARRA stimulus legislation on February 17, 2009, $787 billion in stimulus funds were set aside to save and create jobs and to provide the groundwork for long-term economic growth. The federal government has since dispersed funding to state and local governments, as well as to private entities, through grants, loans, and contracts.

Puerto Rico is expected to receive approximately $6.7 billion dollars in ARRA funds. This stimulus funding targets areas involving transportation and infrastructure, energy and environment, health and human services, housing and community renewal, labor and employment services, education, and public safety and defense.

If anyone has information concerning potential stimulus funding fraud, they should call the FBI-San Juan Economic Stimulus Fraud Tip Line 24 hours a day at 1-877-324-7577 (1-877-FBI-SJPR).