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Report Fraud

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Anyone who suspects fraud, waste, or abuse (collectively referred to as “Allegations of Misconduct” below) involving the contracting or certification of New York State Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (“MWBEs”) should contact The Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development (the “Division”). Allegations of Misconduct will be evaluated in accordance with Article 15-A of the Executive Law and established rules, regulations and policies of the Division and any other applicable law.

If the Division deems it appropriate, the Division may initiate a review based on the Allegations of Misconduct. Additionally, matters may be referred to another office within Empire State Development or to an external entity where appropriate.

Pursuant to NYS Executive law Article 15-A §311(3) (h), the Division makes publicly available “records of all revocations of certification for convictions for fraudulently misrepresenting the status of minority or women-owned business enterprises or for evidence of fraudulent conduct with regard to participation of a minority or women-owned business enterprise in the performance of state contracts and the reasoning for such revocations after a final determination has been made.”

Certification removed due to conviction for fraud or evidence of fraud

When reporting an Allegation of Misconduct, please provide any relevant and specific details including, but not limited to:

  • The identity of the person, company, or organization alleged to have engaged in the misconduct;
  • A description of the alleged misconduct;
  • The MWBE vendor or program affected by the alleged misconduct;
  • Contract number(s) and date(s) of the alleged misconduct; and,
  • Any supporting documents such as email correspondence, invoices, pictures etc.

Please note: The Division encourages all MWBEs engaged in a contractual dispute, such as nonpayment for work completed, to directly contact the agency or authority of record for the contract. Though the Division does not have the authority to assist with contractual disputes, our intake staff will be happy to provide you with the necessary contact information for the MWBE liaison at the agency or authority managing the project.

Allegations of Misconduct can be reported by written statement, phone, or email. The DMWBD does not provide updates regarding the statuses of complaints.

Written Statement: Please complete the online reporting form below
Toll-free Hotline: (855) 373-4692 or (855) ESD-4MWB
Email: [email protected]

MWBE Fraud Complaint Form

Contact information
1. What type of MWBE activity does your allegation involve?
2. Are you a New York State certified MWBE Vendor?
3. Have you filed this complaint with another office or entity?

Please provide the following information if known:

Please state your complaint clearly and concisely. You should enclose copies of all relevant documents - do not submit any original documents.
14. Please select one of the following:
I wish to remain anonymous. Please keep in mind that your decision to elect anonymity may limit our ability to conduct an inquiry, if one is warranted, or to appropriately address the issue. For example, if you choose to remain anonymous, we will not be able to follow-up with you if we need additional information or have questions about the details of your complaint. In some cases, if we do not have sufficient information, we may be unable to act on your complaint. As a result, the more information you can provide, the better chance we have of addressing any wrongdoing that has been committed. You can always request that your identity and/or contact information remain confidential and not be shared outside of the Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development and/or Empire State Development. Please consider providing your name and/or contact information to allow for follow-up contact by this office.
One file only.
2 MB limit.
Allowed types: txt, pdf, doc, docx.

If you choose to remain anonymous, you do not have to fill out identifying information.