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Frequently Asked Questions About Submitting Whistleblower Concerns |
How will you use the information I provide?
Who runs this system? How can I learn more about you?
Is this system independent of the company that I am reporting?
Will my identification remain anonymous?
Can I lose my job for making a report?
How else can I send information to you?
Do you want documents that support my complaint?
What types of complaints can I enter into this system?
How will you use the information I provide?
We use the information you provide to improve your company’s processes and financial reporting. Of course, the specific steps we take depend upon the specifics and seriousness of your complaint. However, in all cases, your complaint will be carefully considered and investigated by people that are not implicated by your complaint. Go to top
Who runs this system? How can I learn more about you?
Fulcrum Financial Inquiry LLP (“Fulcrum”) operates this whistleblower system. Fulcrum is a forensic accounting firm that contains Certified Public Accountants, auditors, and claim consultants. Fulcrum’s personnel have the experience necessary to understand and investigate accounting concerns. You can learn more about Fulcrum at www.fulcruminquiry.com. Go to top
Fulcrum is employed by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee consists entirely of experienced people who are independent of company management. The identities and background of the audit committee members are described in the Company’s proxy statement, which is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (available online through the SEC) and given to all shareholders. Go to top
Is this system independent of the company that I am reporting?
Yes, Fulcrum is an independent firm. We have numerous clients besides the one that involves your complaint. The whistleblower services that Fulcrum provides to any individual company are insignificant to Fulcrum’s overall revenue. Go to top
Will my identification remain anonymous?
You do not need to provide us with your identity. Even if you do provide us your identity, we will only disclose it if doing so significantly improves the Company’s ability to resolve your concern. Therefore, the answer to this question depends upon your wishes and the nature of your complaint.
Knowing how to reach you allows us to follow-up with you to gather additional information, and help ensure that your complaint has a meaningful impact. If you provide us with identifying information and request that your identification remain anonymous, we will not divulge your identity unless ordered by a Court to do so. Go to top
Can I lose my job for making a report?
No. Federal law and most states’ laws protect employees from losing their job because they made a complaint. Serious penalties exist for any employer that retaliates against an employee that makes a whistleblower claim so long as the whistleblower has a reasonable basis for the complaint.
As noted above, you can submit your complaint anonymously. Even if you provide us identifying information to allow us to follow-up with you, we will attempt to resolve your concern without releasing your identity. Go to top
How else can I send information to you?
Your complaint and concern can sometimes be more effectively communicated using other means. In addition to the web-based reporting system you are now using, you can submit complaints in any of the following ways:
1. A phone line that is specific to your company. The whistleblower information provided to you by your company contains this number. After normal operating hours, this phone number will be handled by an automated voice mail system.
2. By faxing information to 213-891-1300. Because this fax number services multiple companies, be sure to include the name of the company involved.
3. By sending an email to whistle@fulcrum.com. Because this mailbox services multiple companies, be sure to include the name of the company involved.
4. By sending correspondence by U.S. mail to Fulcrum Financial Inquiry LLP, 888 S. Figueroa Street, Suite 2000, Los Angeles, CA 90017. Be sure to include the name of the company involved in your correspondence. Go to top
Do you want documents that support my complaint?
Yes! Documents significantly help the investigation of your concern, and demonstrate that your complaint is real. For this reason, we have established a variety of means to make it easy for you to send us documents that support your complaint. See the immediately preceding question and answer for additional ways to contact us. Go to top
What types of complaints can I enter into this system?
This system is designed for complaints involving accounting, auditing, and internal controls. You may have other complaints that do not fall into these categories. Examples are complaints involving discrimination, harassment, and health & safety. Your employer and company care about these matters, but have established other means of collecting these concerns. If you do not know the best way of reporting these non-accounting issues, you can use this form for making a report. We will turn your concern back to the company for their resolution. Go to top