Tampa Public Assistance Fraud Lawyer
Many Florida residents receive public assistance due to having a low income. Public assistance provides cash or benefits to those who qualify.
Those who do not qualify because their income is too high may engage in fraudulent activities. They may lie about their income or number of people in their household in order to receive benefits.
The Division of Public Assistance Fraud (DPAF) serves taxpayers and safeguards Floridians against public assistance fraud. The department investigates allegations of fraud pertaining to the following:
- Cash assistance and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- School readiness and voluntary pre-kindergarten programs
- Disaster assistance and emergency benefits
- Social Security Disability benefits
- Medicaid
If you engage in public assistance fraud, you may face harsh penalties depending on the value of the stolen benefits, the type of benefit, and the number of offenses. If you have been charged with public assistance fraud, the first call you need to make is to a criminal defense attorney. Count on a Tampa public assistance fraud lawyer from Scriven Law, P.A. to assist you with your case.
Types of Public Assistance Fraud
Public assistance fraud can take various forms, including the following:
- False information. This involves providing false information on applications or recertification forms to qualify for benefits, such as misrepresenting income, household composition, or assets.
- Identity theft. This means stealing someone else’s identity or using fraudulent documents to apply for benefits under another person’s name.
- Concealment of information. This refers to failing to report changes in income, employment status, household composition, or other relevant circumstances that may affect eligibility for benefits.
- Benefit trafficking. Illegally selling or exchanging benefits, such as food stamps or electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, for cash or goods, is a type of fraud.
- Unauthorized use. Allowing someone else to use your benefits card or benefits account, or using benefits for unauthorized purposes, such as purchasing prohibited items with food stamps, is public assistance fraud.
- Employment fraud. This involves falsely claiming to be unemployed or underreporting income to qualify for benefits intended for the unemployed.
- Residency fraud. This means claiming benefits for a residence where one does not actually live or claiming benefits in multiple jurisdictions simultaneously.
- Medical assistance fraud. This refers to providing false information or documentation to qualify for medical benefits or services, or billing for services not provided.
- Childcare assistance fraud. Providing false information about childcare expenses or provider arrangements to receive higher subsidies, is considered fraud.
- Education assistance fraud. Providing false information about enrollment status or academic progress to receive educational assistance benefits.
Contact Scriven Law Today
Public assistance fraud is not taken lightly. It can be a felony charge, complete with fines and prison time.
Arrested? Being investigated? Seek legal help from a Tampa public assistance fraud lawyer from Scriven Law, P.A. Our firm strives to provide you with unrivaled, skillful, legal representation as you go through this difficult time. Our office is available 24/7, so contact us today for a consultation. Fill out the online form or call 813-226-8522.
