Report Fraud, Waste & Abuse
The Amtrak Office of Inspector General maintains this hotline for reporting allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse; criminal or unethical acts by an Amtrak employee, contractor or vendor; or mismanagement in Amtrak programs or operations. Allegations may be reported 24 hours a day, seven days a week by Amtrak employees, contractors, or the public. Amtrak emergencies should be directed to the Amtrak Police Department at 1-800-331-0008.
Customer Service Complaints
If you wish to submit a customer service complaint, such as issues related to train delays, cleanliness of trains, demeanor of Amtrak employees, and/or to request a refund, please contact Amtrak Customer Service or 1-800-USA-RAIL
How to Submit a Hotline Tip
Be prepared to provide relevant and specific details of your complaint, including the identity of the person, company, or organization alleged to have engaged in wrongdoing; a description of the alleged impropriety; the Amtrak facility and program affected by the alleged misconduct; contract numbers; dates of alleged wrongdoing; how you became aware of the alleged impropriety; the identity of potential witnesses; and copies of supporting documentation.
Issues that should be reported
- Contract and Grant Fraud
- Environmental, Health, and Safety Violations
- Computer Crimes
- Product Substitution and Suspect/Counterfeit Parts
- Bribery, Kickbacks, and Gratuities
- False Statements and False Claims
- Conflicts of Interest and Ethical Conduct Violations
- Travel Fraud
- Theft or Abuse of Government Property
- Violation(s) of Criminal Law and/or the Civil False Claims Act in Connection with a Federal Contract
- Other Violations of Federal Laws and Regulations
- Any Issue Believed to be Fraud, Waste, or Abuse Related
How are hotline reports processed?
Reports and tips can be provided via our hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Hotline reports are processed during the regular work week from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Complaints submitted online or via phone after working hours and on weekends will be processed at the start of the next business day.
We take all hotline reports seriously. However, not all allegations or hotline complaints will result in OIG actions or investigations. Depending on the type of allegation or complaint, some may be referred to Amtrak management for action, referred to our Office of Audits for review, or referred to Amtrak customer relations.
Can I remain anonymous?
If you do not wish to disclose your identity, you may remain anonymous when contacting the OIG regarding allegations of fraud, waste, abuse or mismanagement. Please keep in mind that anonymity may impede a quick or thorough investigation or the success of a later prosecution. In the event that you claim retaliation or reprisal, it may be necessary for you to disclose your identity to ensure a proper investigation.
How is my confidentiality protected?
Complaints made by Amtrak Employees
In accordance with section 7 of the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, the Amtrak Office of Inspector General shall not, after receipt of a complaint or information from an Amtrak employee, disclose the identity of the employee without the consent of the employee unless the Inspector General determines such disclosure is unavoidable during an investigation, or by court order.
Furthermore, the IG Act provides that Amtrak may not take or threaten to take any action against any employee as a reprisal for making a complaint or disclosing information to an Inspector General, unless the complaint information was disclosed with the knowledge that it was false or with willful disregard for its truth or falsity. Complaints regarding retaliation or reprisal may be filed with the Amtrak OIG using the reporting methods set out in the Tip Hotline.
Complaints Made by Third Persons
Complainants who are not Amtrak employees do not have an automatic right to confidentiality under section 7 of the IG Act. However, third parties or non-Amtrak employees may specifically request confidentiality, and the OIG will protect the confidentiality of such complainants to the maximum extent permitted by law.