Welfare Fraud

Welfare Fraud is a type of white-collar crime. These crimes, which are usually non-violent in nature, typically involve some type of financial theft via paperwork. Although money is taken unlawfully, it’s not taken at gunpoint. In many cases, there are clerical or accounting issues that can raise doubts about a person’s status or ability to receive benefits. Although these aren’t traditional violent crimes, the penalties for crimes like welfare fraud and other white-collar crimes can be quite harsh. Listed below are come common forms of welfare fraud.

Common Types of Welfare Fraud

• Failing to report income
• Failure to report assets
• Falsely claming dependents
• Falsifying information
• Receiving welfare benefits in more than one state
• Identity theft to get benefits
• Using multiple names to collect benefits
• Failing to report alimony
• Failing to notify government that a child is no longer in the home

Failing to Report Income

One of the most common forms of welfare fraud is failing to report income. This can occur in a variety of different ways. Sometimes, people will get gainful employment that would exclude them from getting welfare benefits. If they don’t report the new employment and income right away, they can be accused of welfare fraud. Additionally, if you get paid “under the table” or “off the books” and don’t report that income, but you continue to receive welfare benefits, you can be charged with welfare fraud. Any and all income being made needs to be reported to ensure you don’t face welfare fraud charges, and if you have been charged with welfare fraud, you need to contact an attorney immediately.