Reports of fraudulent DCF claims in 2021 down from previous year, data shows

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Data from the Florida Department of Children and Families shows there were fewer reports of fraudulent claims for assistance reported in 2021 than in the previous year.

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However, both years saw a significant jump in reports of fraudulent claims compared to 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Less than two weeks ago, 40-year-old Kurtus Hayes was arrested in Seminole County on fraud charges.

Investigators say he under-reported his family’s income to collect food stamps and Medicaid benefits illegally for more than a year. He was arrested and released on bond this week.

According to DCF data, they investigated 62,107 such fraud complaints last year. That’s down from 65,595 reported in 2020.

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By comparison, in 2019, DCF received less than 54,000 fraud complaints.

Public assistance fraud complaints reported to DCF could be eligible for a reward.

“The department is dedicated to detecting, preventing and recovering abuse, fraud and waste within the public assistance programs,” DCF said in a statement.

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For more information on how to report fraud claims to DCF, click here.

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