Fraud Prevention & Program Integrity
Spot It. Report It. Stop It.
The Gainesville Housing Authority (GHA) is committed to protecting the integrity of our Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Programs. Fraud diverts valuable housing resources away from eligible families and undermines the mission of providing safe, affordable housing to those who need it most.
If you suspect fraud, waste, or abuse involving a GHA housing program, we encourage you to report it. Every report helps protect public resources and ensures housing assistance remains available for qualified individuals and families.
To report fraud, click here to go to our contact form & select “Report Fraud” in the drop down menu.
What is Fraud?
Fraud is the intentional deception or misrepresentation of facts to obtain housing assistance, payments, or benefits that a person is not legally entitled to receive. Fraud may be committed by program participants, landlords, vendors, contractors, or other individuals involved with federally assisted housing programs.
Examples of Housing Fraud
The following are common examples of fraud involving Public Housing and the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
1
Tenant Fraud
Failing to report additional household members living in the assisted unit.
Failing to report income, employment, or financial assets.
Submitting false documents such as:
- Pay stubs
- Birth certificates
- Marriage licenses
- Other verification documents
Subleasing all or part of the assisted unit without approval.
Owning or having an ownership interest in the assisted property.
2
Landlord Fraud
Charging tenants additional rent or fees not authorized by the lease or Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract.
Accepting Housing Assistance Payments for units that are vacant.
Occupying the same unit as the assisted family (except in approved Shared Housing situations).
3
Consequences of Fraud
Individuals who knowingly commit fraud may be subject to one or more of the following actions:
Repayment Agreements
Termination of Housing Assistance
Civil Penalties
Exclusion from Participation in Federal Programs
Criminal Investigation and Referral
Criminal Charges
Court-Ordered Restitution
Monetary Fines
Possible Incarceration
Enforcement actions are determined based on the findings of an official investigation.
Help Protect Affordable Housing
Fraud affects everyone.
When housing assistance is obtained through deception or misuse, fewer resources are available for eligible families who truly need assistance. Reporting suspected fraud helps ensure that federal housing funds are used fairly, responsibly, and in accordance with HUD regulations.
If you see something suspicious, please report it.
Report Suspected Fraud
If you believe fraud, waste, abuse, or program misconduct has occurred, please contact the Gainesville Housing Authority.
Gainesville Housing Authority
Contact GHA
For questions or to report suspected fraud, please visit our Contact Us page:
Report Directly to HUD Office of Inspector General (OIG)
You may also report suspected fraud, waste, abuse, or misconduct involving HUD-funded programs directly to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General (HUD OIG).
HUD OIG Fraud Hotline:
Online Reporting:
HUD OIG accepts anonymous reports and investigates allegations involving fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct in HUD-funded programs. (Office of Inspector General)
Together We Can Protect Housing Resources
Every report matters. By working together, residents, landlords, staff, and community
partners can help ensure that affordable housing resources remain available for those who
genuinely qualify.
Spot It. Report It. Stop It.
