Report Abuse, Fraud, and Illegal Activities

One of the most critical tools for our work is anonymous tips, often from federal and state employees. If you are aware of an issue that you believe demands attention, please let us know in a manner that protects your anonymity.

Here are some ways you can safely and anonymously share information. 

General Practices: 

• Do not use your government computer, email address, or phone when contacting or communicating with EPIC.

• Do not use your home or work internet.

• Do not create accounts under your name. In creating new accounts, choose aliases that are not easily traceable to yourself.

• Do not engage in other activities that could identify you when sharing information, such as checking email, social media, online shopping, etc.

• Use a Tor browser, which uses “onion routing” to obscure your internet traffic location. 

• For other recommendations, please see the “best practices” from the National Whistleblower Center (.pdf)

1. In-Person

You are welcome to visit the EPIC offices, drop documents through our front door, or meet with EPIC staff off-site to pass along information. You may reach us through the secure communication channels listed below or through our unsecured email (epic@wildcalifornia.org) and phone (707-822-7711).

2. U.S. Mail

Feel free to provide documents to us through the U.S. mail. For heightened security, use a post office box instead of the post office. 

Environmental Protection Information Center

145 G St., Ste. A

Arcata

3. Signal

Signal is a free encrypted messaging service for instant messaging, voice calls, and video calls. The software is maintained by the Signal Foundation, a nonprofit organization. Signal retains only your phone number when you first registered with the service and when you were last active. No metadata surrounding communications is retained. The app also allows messages to self-destruct, removing them from the recipient’s and sender’s phones (once it’s been seen) after a set amount of time.

+707-822-7711

Instructions

4. Burner Email

You are welcome to email documents to EPIC. There are additional steps that you can use to increase your digital security. These include: (1) Use Tor browser to anonymize your internet use; (2) Use an encrypted email service (like Proton Mail)

epic@wildcalifornia.org

Protections for Federal and State Whistleblowers

While legal protections exist for federal and state whistleblowers, there are risks associated with sharing information with EPIC. If you provide documents to EPIC, we will do our best to maintain your confidentiality and are glad to work with individuals to develop mechanisms to lawfully obtain documents through the Freedom of Information Act or the Public Records Act. However, EPIC’s interest in a subject is an indication that someone has talked to EPIC. We cannot guarantee that even with all safeguards that you will be protected against retaliation. 

If you are concerned about your legal rights, EPIC recommends that you consult an attorney. Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility may be able to answer questions.