Fraud Detection Goes High Tech

Enhanced technology enlisted in the fight to prevent, detect, investigate and prosecute welfare "cheaters . . . ."

	SFIS, the STATEWIDE FINGERPRINT IMAGING SYSTEM. This system entirely designed to prevent duplicate aid, will eventually be one of the biggest digitally imaged computer record systems in the State of California. The multi-million dollar system provides computer access to investigators in all 58 counties of California. From these high tech systems, investigators can research photographs and digitally imaged fingerprints for applicants and recipients throughout the state. The computer for fraud investigations is located in the Santa Maria office. Since coming on-line in June of 2000, only one referral has been received. But, if you have any doubt there wasn't duplicate aid being issued prior to the intervention of this program, take a look at Investigator Prancevic's highlight case regarding suspect JOHNSON and his 17 identities.
	NATIONWIDE PRISONER MATCH. Computers are used to match inmates in correctional institutions with persons receiving assistance. The comparison is run at DSS and a printout of matches or "hits" is sent to the fraud unit for review. A person who is incarcerated is ineligible to receive assistance.
	FLEEING FELONS, PAROLE AND PROBATION VIOLATORS. A computer-generated match is done which shows outstanding warrants for fleeing felons, parolees and probation violators who are receiving assistance. It is reviewed by DSS and the fraud unit and ineligible persons are removed from active cases. Criminal prosecutions result if a recipient intentionally fails to report his or her status as a person knowingly fleeing from a warrant or in violation of parole or probation.
	DIGITALLY IMAGED WARRANTS. Investigators used to wait weeks, sometimes months, to receive copies of county warrants reported lost or stolen by welfare clients. New computer imaged records will be sent on disk to the fraud unit within days of the month ending bank statement. These can be forwarded by email to whichever office location and investigator requests them. Responsibility for this project rests with the Santa Barbara staff members.
	EBT, DIRECT DEPOSIT. DSS is implementing a new system to deliver some, if not all, benefits to recipients via the new electronic systems. The new systems will bring improved service and new challenges in delivery and investigation of welfare fraud abuse.

1 = 23% Early Fraud Prevention/Detection 2 = 8% Income & Eligibility 3 = 13% Unreported Income 4 = 4% Homeless Assistance 5 = 2% Resource/Assets 6 = 25% Household Composition 7 = 3% Forgery 8 = 6% Residence 9 = 9% Child Care 10 = 2% Drug Felons 11 = 2% Fleeing Felon 12 = 4% Other