MBE
Fraud Hotline

410-697-9611


​MBE Certification Fraud Hotline

1-844-419-5372

​​

 ​What is the MBE Fraud Hotline?

The Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs' Fraud Hotline was created for the purpose of reporting violations to procurement laws: specifically as related to Chapter 293, Laws of Maryland 2009 (codified as §14-308. State Finance and Procurement Article (SFP). Annotated Code of Maryland). If you suspect a firm has fradulently received certification as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), contact the MBE Certification Fraud Hotline at 1-844-419-5372.

SPF §14-308 prohibits a contractor from identifying a certified MBE in a bid or proposal without requesting, receiving, or obtaining the MBE’s authorization to identify the MBE in the proposal or bid or notifying the MBE of its inclusion prior to the execution of the contract; and failing to use the MBE’s services to perform the contract. Additionally, the contractor may not pay the MBE solely for the use of its name in the bid or proposal. 


What should I report to the Fraud Hotline?

You should report any instances where;

  • A certified MBE was listed in a bid or proposal without its permission
  • An MBE is offered payment solely for the use of its State of Maryland issued MBE Certification Number in bid/solicitation documents
  • A certified MBE gave permission to be listed in the bid documents, but its services were not used to perform the contract. For example, a certified MBE is contacted by a prime contractor. After negotiations, the MBE agrees to work as a subcontractor. The project/contract begins and the MBE, who has maintained contact with the prime contractor while waiting to begin its part of the project, learns that the work it was expecting to do was completed by the prime or another contractor.

What do I need to know when calling the hotline?

To process an allegation, we need you to provide as much identifying information as possible regarding the details of what occurred. The following information would be helpful:

  • What project/bid/solicitation/RFP/contract number does the allegation involve? (Include the State agency name.)
  • Who committed the alleged fraud? (Include names and addresses and contact information
    of all businesses and individuals involved.)
  • Who is the MBE involved?  (Include MBE name, certification number, and contact information.)
  • What was the alleged fraudulent act?
  • Where did the alleged fraud take place?
  • When did it happen?
  • How was the alleged fraud committed?
  • Who else has knowledge of the alleged fraud?
  • Have you contacted anyone else concerning this issue?

MBE FRAUD HOTLINE:

410-697-9611


What can I expect if I contact the MBE Fraud Hotline?
You will be contacted by our office to confirm that e have receved your report. After verifying the basic information, the complaint will be referred to the appropriate State personnel.


May I remaine annonymous?
Yes, however, please keep in mind that your decision for anonymity may limit our ability to verify the information you provide and refer the complaint/report to the appropriate State personnel.


Human Trafficking GET HELP

National Human Trafficking Hotline - 24/7 Confidential

1-888-373-7888 233733 More Information on human trafficking in Maryland

Customer Service Promise

The State of Maryland pledges to provide constituents, businesses, customers, and stakeholders with friendly and courteous, timely and responsive, accurate and consistent, accessible and convenient, and truthful and transparent services.

Take Our Survey

Help Stop Fraud in State Government

The Maryland General Assembly’s Office of Legislative Audits operates a toll-free fraud hotline to receive allegations of fraud and/or abuse of State government resources. Information reported to the hotline in the past has helped to eliminate certain fraudulent activities and protect State resources.

More Information