The welfare and food stamp system is so over tasked in this country that identifying and prosecuting fraud cases is a daunting task and is easier said than done. It’s an unfortunate reality in this country that a good percentage of food stamp and welfare recipients are receiving more benefits than they qualify for or should not be receiving at all. Many US presidents have vowed to “clean up the welfare mess” but have found that to be a bigger job than one person (or administration) can handle.
When you become aware that someone is collecting benefits that they are not entitled to and you make the decision to report the fraudulent activity, finding the correct branch or government office to make your report is very important for proper follow-up.
Turning in a friend or relative for government benefit fraud is sometimes a difficult decision for one to execute. The decision to report a persons dishonest collection of government subsidies can cause friction and anger between friends and family because in most cases the offending party is fully aware they are getting more benefits than they should.
MAKING A REPORT
Make sure when you call to report the problem, make sure you are speaking with the “proper” entity or department that would handle a complaint of that nature, Some state, local and federal programs have “whistle blower” hot lines where you can make the report anonymously. Typically in all jurisdictions they do not reveal who made the report so future consumers wishing to bring fraudulent activity to light will not be deterred by past acts of retaliation.
If your trying to report food stamp fraud, you will need to call the food stamp issuing office. If you suspect someone is getting welfare (AFDC TANIF ) benefits, call you local state welfare benefits office and ask them where you can report a case of benefits being fraudulently collected.
FOLLOWING UP ON THE ACTION THAT IS BEING TAKEN
If your making the complaint anonymously, chances are you wont hear about the end result of any investigation that takes place as a result of your report unless you hear it from the person them self . Even though many do not report fraud in fear of someone “coming after them”, remember when people bleed the benefit system dry, it takes help from those that do qualify. It very frustrating when people are unable to obtain help because the funds have run too low from others getting help they are not entitled to.
Taking a pro-active approach to assisting in reporting government benefit fraud is actually a very important job. State and Federal administrations have a limited amount of money to allocate to these programs. Some people think there is a bottomless “money pit” that the benefits are drawn from and this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Until consumers are better educated on where the money comes from, how its disbursed and the how to recognize blatant fraud, the system will stay burdened and be almost impossible to overhaul.