Press Release

Press Release  Auditor DiZoglio’s Bureau of Special Investigations Unit Identifies Over $4M in Public Benefit Fraud for the Third Quarter

For immediate release:
5/23/2023
  • Office of the State Auditor
  • Bureau of Special Investigations

Media Contact   for Auditor DiZoglio’s Bureau of Special Investigations Unit Identifies Over $4M in Public Benefit Fraud for the Third Quarter

Lauren Feltch Donoghue, Deputy Chief of Staff

BostonIn a quarterly progress report issued today, State Auditor Diana DiZoglio said examiners within the office’s Bureau of Special Investigations (BSI) found evidence totaling $4,049.552.22 in fraudulently obtained public assistance benefits and services.

“Most recently, our BSI unit released the Quarter 3 information for fiscal year 2023 - our office investigated a total of 1,407 cases and of those cases, 200 were completed with public assistance fraud identified,” said Auditor DiZoglio. “Our BSI team further investigates cases of public assistance fraud to help ensure those who truly need access to programs and services can find what they need, when they need it. The work of BSI investigators impacts every day working families to increase transparency, accountability and equity across state services and programs regardless of bank balance, family background or zip code.”

Under state law, BSI’s investigative authority extends to any assistance program administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), the Department of Children and Families (DCF), and the Division of Medical Assistance, which administers MassHealth (the state’s Medicaid program). Although the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) is not included in the BSI statute, BSI also works with EEC through a Memorandum of Understanding.

As a result of BSI’s investigations, public assistance fraud cases are referred to agencies for administrative action, fraudulent overpayments are recovered through civil agreements, individuals are disqualified from programs for specified periods of time, and cases are prosecuted in state and federal courts.

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Media Contact   for Auditor DiZoglio’s Bureau of Special Investigations Unit Identifies Over $4M in Public Benefit Fraud for the Third Quarter

  • Office of the State Auditor 

    The Office of State Auditor Diana DiZoglio (OSA) conducts audits, investigations, and studies to promote accountability and transparency, improve performance, and make government work better.
  • Bureau of Special Investigations 

    The Bureau of Special Investigations strengthens the social safety net in Massachusetts by investigating potential fraud in the state’s public benefit programs.
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