As we are inundated with commercials begging us to see if we qualify for food stamps (SNAP) so we can be as hot and sexy as the First Lady . . .
The Smoky Mountain News published the headline, “Welfare Fraud on the Rise with Recession.” It is an anachronistic enigma, since the recession ended three years ago. Nonetheless, Swain County is investigating 238 allegations of fraud, and it has prosecuted 8 cases valued between $4500 and $24,000 since March 2011. Statewide, welfare fraud allegations have increased in net worth from around $6 million to just over $7 million. Fraud in Jackson County has sharply declined because policy changes no longer require a disclosure of savings or liquefiable equity. Following are some quotes from experts explaining the trend.
Social service agents cited the economy as a likely reason for increase in fraud.
“Truthfully, it is probably the economy. People are struggling and looking for a way to survive,” [Swain County’s Chief Fraud Investigator Janet] Jones said.
“I think, with the economy and everything, it is on the rise,” [Haywood County’s Social Services’ Chief Fraud Investigator Sharon] Blazer said.
“Now, it is going a little further,” said Pam Hooper, an investigator with Jackson County’s DSS. “It’s got everything to do with the economy, I’m sure.”
