Office of Inspector General (OIG) Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What do we mean by Fraud?
  2. What do we mean by Waste?
  3. What do we mean by Abuse?
  4. What do we mean by Serious Mismanagement?
  5. What do we mean by Conflict of Interest?
  6. What do we mean by Criminal Conduct?
  7. How do I contact the OIG?
  8. What should I report?
  9. Why should I report fraud?
  10. Will you protect my identity?
  11. What do I need to know when contacting the OIG?
  12. What can I expect if I make a report to the OIG?
  13. What kinds of things do you NOT investigate?
  14. How long does it take to complete an investigation?

Office of Inspector General (OIG)

1. What do we mean by Fraud?

Theft from the Port Authority by individuals, businesses, or organizations.

Back to Top

2. What do we mean by Waste?

Expenses charged to the Port Authority by individuals, businesses, or organizations that do not further the Agency's mission and goals.

Back to Top

3. What do we mean by Abuse?

Actions by Port Authority officials, employees, or agents that exceed the authority granted to them by Port Authority policies and regulations.

Back to Top

4. What do we mean by Serious Mismanagement?

Significant failure by a Port Authority department or office due to managerial incompetence or inattention.

Back to Top

5. What do we mean by Conflict of Interest?

A situation in which a Port Authority official, employee, or agent is in a position to exploit their official duties, in some way, for their personal or financial benefit.

Back to Top

6. What do we mean by Criminal Conduct?

Criminal activities or actions that result in a crime (for example, stealing or theft, paying or receiving bribes or kickbacks, or submitting false statements or claims).

Back to Top

7. How do I contact the OIG?

Report Online Here

Click here for other ways to contact the OIG.

Back to Top

8. What should I report?
  • Contract and Procurement Fraud/Irregularities in Awarding Contracts or Grants
  • Bribery, Kickbacks, and Gratuities
  • False Statements, Records, or Claims
  • Product Substitution and Suspect/Counterfeit Parts
  • Conflicts of Interest and Ethics Violations
  • Computer Crimes/Inappropriate use of Port Authority Computers
  • Theft and/or Abuse of Port Authority property
  • Employee Misconduct or Benefits/Insurance Fraud
  • Other criminal or inappropriate conduct that relates to the Port Authority

Back to Top

9. Why should I report fraud?

All Port Authority employees are required to report violations of law and Standards of Conduct to the OIG. All citizens should report violations to ensure that Port Authority resources are used for the public and the region's interest.

Back to Top

10. Will you protect my identity?

Yes, the OIG will protect the identity of all complainants to the maximum extent possible.

Back to Top

11. What do I need to know when contacting the OIG?

Two things are very important when reporting fraud, waste, abuse, and serious mismanagement.

First, please report suspected fraud immediately, while you remember the details and while traces of the fraud may still exist.

Second, be ready to answer the questions who, what, when, where, why, and how:

  • Who was involved? (Names, addresses, phone numbers, if available)
  • What happened? (Summary of events, additional sources of evidence)
  • When did it happen? (Date, time, frequency)
  • Where did it happen? (Location, city, state)
  • Why was it done? (Estimated loss to the government, gain to violator)
  • How could it happen? (What scheme was used)

The most successful OIG cases are those that stem from specific facts and supporting documentation. Vague or unsubstantiated allegations may preclude any further action.

Back to Top

12. What can I expect if I make a report to the OIG?

If you have identified yourself, and we open a case to address your allegations, we will notify you. Please be aware that the decision about how we proceed rests exclusively with us. We will contact you again only if we need additional information. We cannot provide you with case status updates or other information while the case review is in progress. The OIG's decision to close a case is final.

Back to Top

13. What kinds of things do you NOT investigate?

We are not a customer service center for the Port Authority. We do not open cases on allegations that can be addressed through existing complaint resolution mechanisms. For example, we do not open cases for lost or damaged luggage or delays at the airports or bus terminals.

Back to Top

14. How long does it take to complete an investigation?

We often receive inquiries from individuals wanting to know how long a particular investigation will last. Generally, it depends, based on factors such as: the nature of the allegations; the number of interviews that need to be conducted; the types and amounts of documents that need to be analyzes; or whether the case proceeds towards criminal prosecution. Thus, in most cases, we cannot provide a specific timeframe.

Back to Top


Web Site Disclaimer
© 2001-CurrentYear The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. All Rights Reserved.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
(212) 435-7000  •  225 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003