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I know something illegal happened at work, how can I report it without risking my job?

20 Answers
Last Updated: 01/18/2021 at 10:48am
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United States
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Top Rated Answers
CaitlinRose
October 27th, 2014 7:58pm
Many jobs have an anonymous report line that you can call into if they are corporate positions. If not, an anonymous, typed letter can be left in the mailbox of a manager or supervisor.
Taylalou
July 13th, 2015 12:34pm
I would report the 'something illegal' situation to the police anonymously to protect my job and identity
Honey
September 11th, 2014 2:58am
My first instinct is to try to solve this internally (e.g. HR departments). Ideally, it demonstrates that you want to work WITH the organization to solve the problem and strengthen the organization as a whole by eliminating the unethical/illegal behavior.
Erick87
September 19th, 2014 12:27pm
Sometimes a situation can come up where anonymity is very important, this is true especially at a place of employment. I encourage you to look up local crime tip hotlines in your area and in addition to that, there is also an online resource which I have used before http://wetip.com , they offer free services to those looking to report crimes while also protecting their identity.
MattsListening
November 7th, 2014 5:42am
Depending on where you work, there may be an ethics hotline that allows you to anonymously report something illegal taking place. Also you may be eligible for whistleblower status depending on your position, field of work, location, and the crimes being committed. Without knowing more specifics it's impossible to give more exact suggestions.
fromthesea
November 9th, 2014 1:21pm
You can report it anonymously. No one will know that you reported it. so you won't risk losing your job.
Anonymous
September 10th, 2014 11:45pm
Send a letter to police department and explain what happened anonymously, for sure they will take care of it :)
CParker
November 3rd, 2014 1:14am
If you had no part in it, your job should be safe. It sounds like, based on the question, that it may be your boss or someone higher up. If this is the case, you have a decision to make--risk reporting it and either losing your job, or having your boss make life hell for you if nothing happens to him/her, or let it go and move on with your life as though nothing happened
Uniqueg
October 23rd, 2014 9:48pm
Issues like this can be difficult, you can leave an anonymous letter or tell someone who you really trust.
Angelline
September 20th, 2014 7:38pm
Obviously when you report it, they will take care of your identity and would not prefer to disclose it. Or you can always tell them to keep your name private.
Kathlyng90
October 24th, 2014 11:55pm
Human Resources usually does reporting of this type of thing anonymously. If you contact that department they can tell you if your report will be anonymous before you make the report, and you can base your decision on that; however, if something was done illegally, do not keep angry co-workers from you reporting it.
braverysachoice
October 22nd, 2014 12:07am
you might want to talk to someone who could have been in the same situation or a relative or close friend. if he problem continues then you could press charges or something idk
Jamiea8668
October 18th, 2014 3:34pm
go to a trade union and ask for it to be kept anonymous ,you can find a trade union online easily...
LovingPhantom
December 8th, 2015 1:19am
You can always make an anonymous call or tip to the police without giving any information about yourself. However, I think you should start looking for another job, because if they are caught then you can get harmed in the process.
alsem
January 12th, 2016 12:45pm
Speak to your supervisor or the person above them, or better still go to HR and fill in a confidential agreement and you should stay safe
Greatlistener87
- Expert in Work Stress
April 12th, 2016 5:46am
You have to report it to some1 u think u can trust and would not throw u out of the bus. If the illegal thing done is something that involves to the police. Then tell your leader 1st to keep him aware and then inform the police.
ItsTheSheppy
June 20th, 2016 11:51pm
Almost all reputable companies have an anonymous employee hotline for folks to call to report wrongdoing. It is in fact against the law for a company to out a whistleblower and leave them open to reprisal. The hotline is almost always managed by the human resources department. Assuming the company is small, and depending on the severity, your options vary from being brave and notifying your supervisor (being honest and forthright is usually the best way to go), all the way to calling the police. Losing a job is bad. Being found complicit in a crime is much, much worse.
KristenHR
July 4th, 2016 1:01pm
Many positions have a report line that is confidential. I would look into seeing if this is available at your company. Some positions are reviewed by the state governing agency, in which you can make anonymous reports to some as well.
BeyondThis
April 28th, 2020 10:29pm
This is an extremely challenging situation to be in. Look into programs at work to report things anonymously. Many companies have these kinds of programs. However, if your work doesn't have these programs look into reporting it to the police. Law enforcement can often take anonymous tips as well as allow you to report things without your name tied to this. WHile you should also look into legal situations most companies can not fire you for reporting something that is going on illegaly within the company. Be careful but make sure you do the right thing and are keeping the public safe.
Fergie12299
January 18th, 2021 10:48am
Making an anonymous phone call would work. Your identity would remain hidden and the issue will be addressed. If making an anonymous phone call be sure not to use your own phone and if so that your number/id is blocked. If a phone call is not what you would like to do then telling someone that you do not work with and have them report it on your behalf can also work just as well. If something happened that was illegal then reporting it should not by law warrant you to lose your job, it could also be against the law for you not to report a crime.