August 16, 2012

MANGANO ANNOUNCES
MORE THAN $1 MILLION IN SOCIAL SERVICES RESTITUTION
SINCE JANUARY 2012

Mineola, NY - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano announced today that the Department of Social Services (DSS) has recovered more than $1 million in welfare fraud restitution since January 2012, the result of Medicaid, Temporary Assistance and Day Care fraud uncovered and investigated by the DSS Office of Investigations. The results were referred to the New York State Attorney General’s Office and the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

The $1 million recovered represents the highest level of restitution to date within a calendar year, with still more than 4 months to go. The $1 million is in addition to $5.5 million in “cost avoidance” savings through investigations and review of applications before they are approved and benefits are paid.

“Since the first day of my administration, I have approved the commitment of resources to ensuring that only the neediest of our citizens receive the assistance to which they’re entitled. Anyone who tries to cheat the system will be apprehended and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” said County Executive Mangano.

“Nothing infuriates taxpayers and law-abiding citizens as much as those who try and take food and shelter away from the neediest of our citizens. We remain committed to ensuring that those qualified will receive help, and that those who try and cheat the system will be introduced to our law enforcement authorities,” said DSS Commissioner John Imhof,

“The Nassau County DSS Investigation Unit utilizes the latest cutting-edge technology to catch those who attempt to game the system. Our detection systems have become very sophisticated and we hope these continuing arrests will discourage people from lying on their applications,” said DSS Director of Investigations Scott Skrynecki.

To report a case of suspected waste, fraud or abuse, please visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Welfare/index.html or call the toll-free hotline at (877) 711-TIPS (8477). All callers can remain anonymous.