What is the MetLife Ethics & Fraud HelpLine?
The MetLife Ethics & Fraud Helpline is a confidential channel through which you may raise and report concerns on situations involving suspected fraud, unethical behavior, or MetLife Code of Conduct violations.
What type of situations should I report?
The Ethics & Fraud HelpLine enables individuals to immediately report any issues or concerns regarding unethical, unprofessional, illegal, fraudulent or other questionable behavior including but not limited to those relating to:
- Accounting, Auditing and Internal Financial Controls
- Theft, Deception and Fraud
- Confidentiality and Data Protection
- Conflicts of Interest
- Code of Conduct
- Sales Practices
U.S. Customers: Please do not confuse fraud with a dispute, inquiry, or complaint that you have or may wish to file. If you have a general or service related inquiry not involving fraud please visit the link below for the appropriate contact:
Employees: The Ethics & Fraud HelpLine is not intended for reporting questions or concerns regarding performance, discipline, and human resources policies on such issues as dress code violations, personality conflicts and disputes between employees that would not be considered fraudulent conduct. However, if an employee does not feel comfortable talking to their manager and/or Human Resources, he or she may report the matter to the Ethics & Fraud HelpLine.
May I report using either the Internet or the telephone?
Yes. The MetLife Ethics & Fraud HelpLine allows you to file a confidential, anonymous report via either the telephone (888-320-1671) or the Internet (www.metlifehelpline.ethicspoint.com). You can file a report on an anonymous or identified basis either via the Internet or telephone which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Should I identify myself?
It is usually easier to conduct a more complete investigation if you identify yourself and those involved because it allows the MetLife investigator to directly follow-up with you and others. If you choose to identify yourself in reporting your concern, MetLife will make every reasonable effort to hold your name in confidence during the investigation.
Can I report my concern anonymously?
You may report your concern anonymously by using the Ethics & Fraud HelpLine – online or by phone. The Ethics & Fraud HelpLine does not trace phone calls or use Caller Identification. In addition, it does not generate or maintain internal connection logs containing Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, so no information linking your computer to the Ethics & Fraud HelpLine would be available if you choose to make a report online. Reports from your computer would come through a secure Internet portal which does not trace or show user screen names.
If I see a violation, shouldn't I just report it to my manager, security, or human resources and let them deal with it?
When you observe some behavior that you believe violates our code of conduct, we expect you to report it. Ideally, you should bring any concerns forward to your direct manager, or other member of the management team, Human Resources, Legal, or Compliance. We recognize, however, that there may be circumstances when you are not comfortable reporting the issue, know who to report it to, or believe that your concern has not been addressed. MetLife Ethics & Fraud HelpLine is simply another available option to raise concerns, and allows you to remain anonymous if you prefer.
What happens when I file a report or ask a question using the Ethics & Fraud HelpLine?
You may phone the Ethics & Fraud HelpLine or access it through the internet. The Ethics & Fraud HelpLine is hosted by a third party, EthicsPoint. This confidential call center and secure internet site will receive your questions and reports. You may use the Ethics & Fraud HelpLine to file a report or follow up on a prior report. Whether you call or log on, you will be given instructions on how to complete your task. When filing a report, you will be asked to provide as much detailed information as possible. You may also attach a document(s). Your report will then be routed to the appropriate MetLife unit to review and investigate. A determination is made whether an investigation is necessary and if sufficient information has been provided. If needed, a request for additional information from the reporter will be made. Once the report is filed, the MetLife unit reviews the details and involves the appropriate resources to conduct the investigation. The concern is investigated promptly and confidentially to the extent possible.
How can I monitor progress on my concern? What if I remember something important about the incident after I file the report? Or what if the company has further questions for me concerning my report?
At the end of your telephone call or web-based report, you will be provided with a report number and PIN code. Using the report number and pin you will be able to access the original report to add additional information or answer questions where further information is required/necessary by the company, as well as inquire about the status of the concern.
What should I do if I lose my report or password?
Due to the high level of security that is maintained for these reports, if you lose your report key or password, you will need to fill out a new report. When filing the new report you should mention that it is related to a report you previously filed.
If I make a report, could I be subjected to some form of retaliation?
No. You may report suspected or potential illegal or unethical behavior without fear of retaliation. Retaliation is prohibited under the Company's Code of Conduct and Equal Employment Opportunity policies.