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Smartphone app targets Richmond government fraudJul 17, 2012 (Richmond Times-Dispatch - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- RICHMOND, Va. -- Richmond's City Auditor's Office unveiled a free app today that will allow anyone with a smartphone to instantly report fraud, waste and abuse of city resources. City Auditor Umesh Dalal said Richmond is now the second city in the nation, after Philadelphia, to employ the new technology to expand the ability of residents to report concerns. "People use smartphones quite a bit nowadays," Dalal said. "It is really an easy means of reporting." The app is compatible with Android and Apple devices and allows users to upload photos and video. The app also assigns a case number and passcode to track the status of the report. Users can report anonymously, though to be eligible for a reward, you must provide contact information. The Auditor's Office offers a reward of up to 10 percent of the savings realized from reporting fraud or waste, to a maximum of $5,000. Between 80 and 100 cases a year are reported to the City Auditor's Office through its current fraud, waste and abuse hotline and Dalal expects the new app to increase the office's interaction with residents and well as provide possible evidence to investigate cases. "We are hoping this particular application will help our function significantly," Dalal said. The app was developed by a Vensi, a California-based company that specializes in developing applications for mobile devices, for about $10,000, Dalal said. "Philadelphia is getting significant response and it helps their fraud investigation function substantially," Dalal said. Download the app by searching for "Richmond fraud" at your phone's app store. The City Auditor's Fraud Hotline is (804) 646-5697. (This has been a breaking news update. Check back for more details as they become available. Read more in tomorrow's Richmond Times-Dispatch.) ___ (c)2012 the Richmond Times-Dispatch (Richmond, Va.) Visit the Richmond Times-Dispatch (Richmond, Va.) at www.timesdispatch.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |