If you believe someone is getting benefits or payments from Social Services that they should not receive, PLEASE REPORT IT! All reports will be investigated, and if someone is found to have committed fraud, every effort will be made to recoup these funds.

Help ensure that tax dollars are going to the needy.

You can:

• Call our office at (252) 636-4900.
• Leave a detailed message anytime, day or night.
• All information provided is confidential and you may remain anonymous.

More information online about fraud:

NC Division of Social Services

Food & Nutrition Services falls under US Department of Agriculture

Medical Assistance (Medicaid & Medicare) falls under US Department of Health & Human Services

A Serious Crime: Public Assistance Fraud

Some people do not give important information or do not tell the truth when applying for help through their county Department of Social Services. Under North Carolina law, persons must give caseworkers all information needed to decide if they can receive benefits such as Work First Family Assistance, Food and Nutrition Services, Medicaid, Energy Assistance, Special and Emergency Assistance, and surplus commodities. Those who do not report correctly commit a crime. The crime--public assistance fraud--is committed when people (1) get or try to get help by giving caseworkers false and incorrect information, or (2) do not give information.

WHAT HAPPENS IF A PERSON IS FOUND GUILTY OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FRAUD? 

A person found guilty of public assistance fraud can be fined, placed in jail, or both.

A person found guilty of Food and Nutrition Services fraud may get an even stiffer penalty. That penalty could include all of the above, and you may not be allowed to get Food and Nutrition Services for: 

• 1st offense - 1 year 
• 2nd offense - 2 years 
• 3rd offense - permanently 

Additionally, a first time court finding of purchasing illegal drugs with Food and Nutrition Services could result in the loss of eligibility for services for two years.

Misrepresenting identity or residence to get Food and Nutrition Services in more than one place could result in the loss of eligibility for 10 years.

Protect yourself! Read this information carefully:

• Be sure to tell your caseworker everything he/she needs to decide the kind and amount of assistance you are eligible to receive.
• If you are not sure about what you told your caseworker in the past, call immediately.
• When your caseworker asks you a question, tell everything and be honest about it.
• Report any changes about you or any member of your household to your caseworker today.