Auditor finds $1.8M in welfare fraud

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Hundreds of people are in trouble with the law after reportedly defrauding the state in one way or another.

$1.8 million dollars.

That's how much State Auditor Suzanne Bump says people on public assistance stole from the state.

"It's disgusting, I think they need to monitor it more," said Tina Rusiecki, West Springfield.

Bump released a quarterly progress report that revealed abuse out of welfare programs, food stamps, child care services healthcare, public housing and cash assistance.

In this case, examiners completed 963 investigations in which they found 401 people defrauding the state in some way.

The report says millions of dollars in fraud are discovered each year, but not all users are abusers.

West Springfield's Darlene Bessette says she knows people who use the funds appropriately.

"I believe some people should get it, you know, who can't work or are not able to work, but to abuse what we're giving to them for free, I'm just not for it at all," Bessette said.

Investigators work with dozens of state agencies to fight fraud.

A fight at least one person thinks should be more focused.

"They're picking on the small guy while the big guys are getting away with billions of dollars," said Agawam's Gene Mutti.

The state needs you to file a complaint if you know of someone abusing the system.

You can make a confidential call to the fraud hotline at (617) 727-6771 or send an e-mail to infoline@sao.state.ma.us