The state legislative auditor has a new toll-free hotline — 844-503-7283 — that lets residents anonymously report fraud, abuse or misuse of public funds.

The hotline was created as a result of Act 693, which was approved in this year’s legislative session. Sen. Edwin Murray, D-New Orleans and a member of the Legislative Audit Advisory Council, filed the legislation.

Roger Harris, director of investigative audits, said Friday that the law also requires “state, local and quasi-public agencies” that receive “any degree of public funding” to post notices alerting people of the hotline. Notices must be posted on an agency’s property and website.

Before the law took effect, the state required a person to have “actual knowledge” of someone misusing public funds before reporting it to the legislative auditor and the district attorney, Harris said.

Harris said he expects the auditor’s office to receive about “35 additional complaints or calls” per month, based on discussions with legislative auditors in other states.

Residents can also report fraud online, at www.reportfraud.la; by fax, 844-403-7283; and by mail, LLA Hotline, P.O. Box 94397, Baton Rouge, LA 70804.

Providing your name and phone number will allow officials to follow up, if necessary. All information will remain confidential.(MGNonline)