Hannibal “Mike” Ware is waging a war against federal fraud, but he says it’s not personal — it’s about safeguarding the community he grew up in.
“You have a native son who sits on top of two very important agencies nationally,” Ware noted. “I’m committed to ensuring that the funds our people deserve go to those people and are not stolen or diverted.”
As the inspector general of the Small Business Administration (SBA) and acting inspector general for the Social Security Administration (SSA), Ware oversees billions in federal funds, ensuring these resources reach those for whom they’re intended. “My role is not about punishing my community — it’s about protecting it,” he emphasized in a recent interview with The Source.
Ware’s commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars is built on nearly 35 years in federal oversight. His work at the SBA has led to 1,536 indictments, 1,164 arrests, and 925 convictions related to SBA programs. The COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges, with an estimated $200 billion, or 17 percent of SBA pandemic relief funds, potentially lost to fraud. “When people are stealing, they’re stealing from the people in our territory who need those funds,” Ware said.
To address the surge in fraud complaints — over 296,000 since 2020 — Ware’s office has employed advanced data analytics. This technology enables his team to pinpoint fraudulent activity with precision, focusing on high-dollar fraud, organized crime, and individuals in public trust. “We use data analytics as our weapon,” Ware explained, underscoring the critical role of technology in combating fraud.
Ware’s office also works proactively to prevent fraud, recently issuing the “Fraud Landscape Report” to highlight red flags associated with pandemic relief fraud. By collaborating with agencies like the Secret Service, Justice Department, and local law enforcement, Ware’s team has seized nearly $30 billion in pandemic funds. In 2022 alone, their efforts yielded a 21,148 percent return on investment.
In the Virgin Islands, Ware’s office has been instrumental in significant cases, such as a $4 million hurricane recovery fraud scheme and a PPP conspiracy resulting in over $380,000 in misappropriated funds. “These cases are about ensuring our people get what they deserve,” Ware noted, emphasizing the importance of protecting resources meant to support his home.
Now, as acting inspector general of the Social Security Administration, Ware’s oversight extends to programs that directly impact vulnerable populations, including seniors and families in the Virgin Islands. “Our elderly, our parents, and even some of our children depend on these funds, and protecting them is essential,” he affirmed.
Public engagement remains central to Ware’s efforts. His office encourages Virgin Islanders to report suspected fraud through the SBA OIG Hotline, available online. The hotline enables anyone to report issues of fraud, waste, or mismanagement, providing Ware’s office with crucial information to address risks and prioritize investigations.
“The vigilance of citizens like those in the Virgin Islands is crucial in the ongoing battle against fraud. Federal agencies rely heavily on individuals coming forward to report suspicious activity, which aids in recovering misappropriated funds and holding perpetrators accountable,” Ware said.
To report suspected fraud related to SBA programs, contact the SBA OIG Hotline at sba.gov/oig/hotline or by phone at 800-767-0385.
