Kenosha – A new method for reporting potential public assistance fraud is being offered by the Kenosha County Economic Support Division.
Concerns about public assistance fraud can now be reported online through a form offered on the Kenosha County website by typing fraud.kenoshacounty.org into a web browser.
Community members will still have the ability to report potential public assistance fraud using the Fraud Hotline phone number, 262-697-4626, and leaving a detailed message.
Anyone who makes a report of potential public assistance fraud has the ability to remain anonymous both through the new online form and through the hotline.
Examples of potential fraudulent activities include:
- Sharing Food Share/Quest cards.
- Selling Food Share benefits for cash, drugs and other items (i.e., trafficking).
- Not reporting accurate household income to the agency.
- Not reporting accurate household members to the agency.
- Receiving benefits in more than one state at the same time.
- Falsifying verifications or documentation to the agency to qualify for benefits.
“Members of the community are essential to minimizing instances of fraud and abuse in our public assistance programs, which include Medicaid, Badger Care, Food Share, Child Care Assistance and related programs,” said Adelene Greene, Kenosha County Workforce Development Director. “This new automated fraud reporting form provides a second option for our community members to assist us with identifying potential fraud and abuse.”
Fraud allegations received are typically against public aid recipients. However, vendors, medical providers, businesses, child care providers and others can be reported for fraudulent activities related to the misuse of public assistance programs.
Public assistance fraud allegations are reviewed or investigated by Economic Support staff. When fraud is proven, recipients have to pay back the benefits that they’ve received in error. Other penalties can also be pursued, including temporary or permanent removal from the program as well as prosecution.
All reported information regarding public assistance fraud investigations and outcomes are kept confidential.