Report Welfare Fraud

Welfare Fraud Statutes

Although most investigations conducted by welfare system agencies are civil, welfare fraud investigations are an exception. Generally, wrongfully receiving assistance is a crime. See Minnesota Statute Sections 256.98, 256D.14; 393.07 subdivision 10, and 609.466. Welfare fraud investigations include investigations of clients and vendors, persons trying to receive assistance, and those already receiving assistance. Because these investigations are criminal in nature, the data collected is probably classified pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 13.82, subdivision 5. The data in an active criminal investigation is classified either confidential or protected nonpublic as in civil investigations.

Violations of the welfare fraud statutes may have both criminal and civil sanctions. Once the criminal portion is adjudicated or the prosecuting authority decides not to pursue the action, the criminal investigative data may revert to civil investigative data. When a civil investigation becomes inactive, the data accumulated would become public unless the release of the information would (a) jeopardize a current ongoing civil investigation or (b) the data is classified as not public by the Data Practices Act or another statute.

Minnesota Statute Section 13.39, subdivision 3

Report Fraud

If you suspect someone of misusing or abusing Minnesota assistance programs, call:

• Isanti County Family Services Financial Assistance Unit: 763-689-1711
• Welfare Fraud Hotline Toll-Free: 800-627-9977

You can also complete an online form at the Minnesota Department of Human Services website.