All reports of suspected fraud will be investigated. Please be advised that due to confidentiality, we will not be able to respond directly regarding your referral status.

Thank you for helping us fight fraud and protecting the integrity of our programs.

The Department of Social Services has a dedicated Investigative Unit which is responsible for receiving complaints and referrals of “welfare” fraud in Fulton County. The Investigative Unit is responsible for ensuring program integrity. By preventing, detecting and prosecuting fraud against those who obtain public benefits they are not entitled to, the Investigative Unit protects the interests of those in genuine need and conserves taxpayer resources.

Fraud staff investigate allegations of fraud against households or individuals applying for or in receipt of Temporary Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, HEAP and Child Care. Referrals are received from multiple sources, including DSS staff and members of the community. Investigative staff conduct field investigations, home visits, office interviews and obtain collateral verification, including State and Federal database matches. A case referral can be made to the District Attorney for prosecution or to New York State for an Administrative Disqualification. Other case investigations may result in action to recover benefit overpayments through grant reductions, money judgments and direct repayment to DSS.