Reporting suspected fraud

Although fraud in the SNAP program is rare (1.3% in the first quarter of this year), at Foodshare, we agree that any fraud is a problem.  Foodshare's SNAP Outreach Coordinator Laura Roberts, recently sent this message to our team:

"Someone recently asked me if there was a way to report suspected SNAP fraud.

"Robley Newtonis the Social Services Investigations Supervisor in the Investigations Division of DSS, and did a presentation at our Regional Advisory Board Meeting recently.

"If you suspect someone of abusing SNAP Benefits, he said to call his office and he will see if there is anything that can be pursued in that case.  They even pursue Facebook selling of Benefits transactions.  They work closely with the police. 860-612-3455 is his direct line."

 

Of course, the United States Department of Agriculture, the agency that administers SNAP federally, is also committed to uncovering and dealing with fraud and there is a page on their website about how to report fraud in any nutrition assistance program.  USDA has recently been working hard to deal with stores who fraudulently accept SNAP benefits, which is the larger issue than individuals receiving benefits based on improper applications.

Because we believe that the intregrity of programs that help people in need is important, Foodshare also maintains on our website the contact information of our senior managers and even a way to contact our Board of Directors if fraud is suspected with any program that Foodshare operates.