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New phone app aids in fraud reporting [Richmond Times-Dispatch, Va.](Richmond Times-Dispatch (VA) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) July 18--Richmond's City Auditor's Office unveiled a free app Tuesday that will allow anyone with a smartphone to instantly report fraud, waste and abuse of city resources. City Auditor Umesh Dalal said Richmond is 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. It 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, they must provide contact information. The City 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. Eighty to 100 cases a year are reported to the City Auditor's Office through its current fraud, waste and abuse hotline. Dalal expects the new app to increase the office's interaction with residents as 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 auditor's app joins another launched by the city administration in April to provide information on maps and directions to city parks, playgrounds and community centers. The RVA Parks app was created by the city's Department of Information Technology. "Developing new technologies to enhance customer service is clearly a good thing and is something we've been focused on under our 'well-managed government plank,'?" Mayor Dwight C. Jones said in a statement. [email protected] (804) 649-6911 ___ (c)2012 the Richmond Times-Dispatch (Richmond, Va.) Visit the Richmond Times-Dispatch (Richmond, Va.) at www.timesdispatch.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |