PA Office of State Inspector General – Welfare Fraud Investigations – Harrisburg, PA

Investigating Public Benefits Fraud

Bureau of Fraud Prevention and Prosecution

The Welfare Fraud Investigations office, officially operating under the Pennsylvania Office of State Inspector General (OSIG), acts as the enforcement arm for public assistance programs. Located in the Executive House on South 2nd Street, this field office for the Bureau of Fraud Prevention and Prosecution (BFPP) is responsible for preserving the integrity of the Commonwealth’s social safety net. Investigators here work to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals who attempt to receive benefits they are not entitled to, ensuring funds remain available for the truly needy.

Scope of Investigations

The bureau investigates allegations of fraud across several Department of Human Services programs. Common areas of inquiry include:

• SNAP (Food Stamps): Investigating the trafficking of EBT benefits or failure to report household income.
• Cash Assistance: Verifying residency and household composition for TANF recipients.
• Subsidized Child Care: ensuring that funds provided for child care are used for legitimate employment-related needs.
• LIHEAP: Investigating fraudulent applications for energy and heating assistance.

Consequences of Fraud

When fraud is substantiated, the OSIG pursues both criminal and administrative remedies. Individuals found guilty may face criminal charges, mandatory restitution of overpaid benefits, and temporary or permanent disqualification from receiving future assistance. The office works closely with local District Attorneys to prosecute these cases in the courts.

Reporting Fraud

While this location houses investigators, the primary way for the public to engage with the office is through the Welfare Fraud Tip Line. Citizens are encouraged to report suspected abuse via the OSIG website or hotline. Reports can be made anonymously. Visitors to the physical office are typically there for scheduled interviews related to active investigations.