Oakland Housing Authority Police Department

FRAUD INVESTIGATIONS UNIT - (510) - 535-3155

Don’t risk your chances for Federally assisted housing by providing false, incomplete, or inaccurate information on your application and recertification forms.

Suspected Fraud or Abuse

The Oakland Housing Authority Police Department places a high priority on preventing fraud and assuring that housing assistance payment are paid only on behalf of qualified and eligible participants. The Fraud Investigations Unit investigates suspected program abuse or misconduct, whether it deals with Section 8 Housing or Conventional Housing.
The unit consists of two full time Investigators and a collections officer, who are supervised by a Lieutenant. Upon receiving a complaint, an investigator will be assigned to the case and an investigation will ensue.

Beware of Fraud

You should be aware of the following fraud schemes:

• Do not pay any money to file an application for housing assistance.
• Do not pay money to move up on the waiting list.
• Do not pay for anything not covered by your lease.
• Get a receipt for any money you pay.
• Get a written explanation if you are required to pay any money other than rent (such as maintenance charges).
• Report all income at annual certifications.
• Do not sublease your unit.
• Report changes in your family composition as required by OHA.

Penalties for Committing Fraud

• Possible eviction from your apartment or house or loss of your Section 8 voucher.
• Requirement to repay all overpaid rental assistance you received.
• Up to five (5) years imprisonment and/or
• Any future assistance shall be prohibited.

Owner Participation

The owners and landlords that participate in the Section 8 Program are also subject to review to verify that they are following the terms of the Housing Assistance Payments Contract.

Reporting Fraud or Abuse in the Assisted Housing Programs

If you wish to report a participating tenant or owner that you believe is committing fraud with regard to the Housing Assistance Programs please call the Fraud Hotline at (510) 535-3155 or email us at reportcrimeorfraud@oakha.org

When reporting suspected fraudulent activity, please be sure to give the full name and address of the person or persons you are reporting. All information will be kept confidential.