The Cayuga County District Attorney’s Office has recovered over $85,000 in restitution this past year through a statewide initiative targeting financial crimes and fraud.
District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonacci announced the results on November 5, highlighting the county’s efforts under the New York State Crimes Against Revenue Program (CARP). The program focuses on prosecuting those who commit fraud involving taxes, Medicaid, welfare, unemployment, and workers’ compensation.
Through a collaboration between the DA’s Office, the Cayuga County Department of Social Services, and the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office, the program takes a multi-agency approach to cracking down on crimes that rob the state of vital public funds.
In addition to the $85,000 in collected restitution, officials say that projected savings from disqualifying fraudulent social services claims in 2024 totaled approximately $95,562.
What qualifies as welfare fraud?
The District Attorney’s Office outlined several examples of common welfare fraud, including:
- Failing to report wages, property, or bank accounts
- Not disclosing individuals living in the household
- Falsely reporting residence or eligibility status
- Submitting fake documents or benefit claims
- Using someone else’s benefit card to access services
Officials are urging the public to help identify fraud by reporting it. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 315-253-1313 or by filling out a report with the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance at https://rwf.otda.ny.gov.
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