| Fraud Division: EB-FD-Response@fcc.gov | |
|---|---|
| Division Chief: | Meghan Ingrisano |
| Deputy Chief: | Mehrdad Barikbin |
The Fraud Division has primary responsibility for fraud targeting critical FCC-funded and -administered Programs such as Universal Service Fund (USF) support, Emergency Broadband Benefits (EBB), Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), with a particular emphasis on addressing fraudulent activity. The Fraud Division also coordinates parallel investigations with outside law enforcement agencies such as the US Department of Justice.
The functions performed by the Fraud Division include:
- Investigating and taking appropriate enforcement actions in cases involving alleged fraudulent receipt of federal funds from the four USF programs: E-rate, Lifeline, High Cost, and Rural Health Care;
- Investigating and taking appropriate enforcement action in cases involving alleged fraudulent receipt of federal funds from the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) (and its predecessor, the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program), which provides households with critical access to broadband services and connected devices;
- Coordinating with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) to identify risk areas and potential violations in the USF programs and the ACP;
- Coordinating with other offices and bureaus within the FCC to ensure the integrity of the USF programs;
- Coordinating with the office of Inspector General, and other federal and state agencies to maximize enforcement efforts.