Report Benefit Fraud

If suspect someone is abusing the system, you may wonder how to report benefit fraud. There are several types of benefits people receive:  worker's compensation, food stamp, unemployment and social security. They could be working and not reporting their income or withholding important information. It's not fair for people who actually need the help and are doing the right thing. Here are ways on how to report suspected benefit fraud.

To report benefit fraud, you need:

• The fraud hotline number for the situation you're reporting about.
• The suspected person's name, address, phone number and social security number if you know it.
• Reason you think the person is committing fraud.

1. Call the hotline number. You don't have to give your name to anyone to protect your identity. The hotline won't demand to know who you are either. Some hotlines use online forms to report fraud as well. Use this is you're uncomfortable calling.
2. Explain who the person is. Give the hotline operator the name of the person and as much information about the person suspected of committing benefit fraud.
3. Tell why you suspect fraud. Give the reasons you suspect the person is committing fraud. The reasons must be valid and not malicious in nature. If you know the person is receiving benefits unjustly, you can report them if they are working again. The same goes for food stamps benefits. Food stamp recipients who lie about people living in their household or working are held accountable for their actions. You can also give the person's employment information or other pertinent income they're receiving.

It's not easy reporting someone for something you suspect. The person you're reporting will get investigated before anything happens. The fraud hotline won't contact you unless they need more information about the suspected benefit fraud.