Nearly $2 million in taxpayer-funded Massachusetts welfare has been claimed under false circumstances since the beginning of 2012, Fox Boston reports:
ANCHOR: Taking advantage of taxpayer funds, new reports show near $2 million dollars of state assistance was claimed through fraud. State Auditor Suzanne Bump’s quarterly progress report finding that more than $1.8 billion of public benefits and services were obtained under false circumstances. The Bureau of Special Investigations identified 401 people who took advantage of welfare, food stamps, health care, housing, and childcare services. The Bureau is in charge of identifying that fraud and often times pursuing criminal charges.
Bump’s report shows welfare fraud has cost Massachusetts taxpayers $2.736 million since July 1, 2011, according to the Boston Herald.