Broome County Saved Millions in Potential Claims Fraud

Broome County's Security Division is being credited with saving the county over $11 million in what could have been payments to fraudulent welfare benefit claims last year.

The division reviewed close to 10,300 cases last year and acted on 2,000 that resulted in a denial of application, withdrawal of application or reduction of benefits up-front.

Follow-up investigations resulted in further actions against another 1,500 cases.

625 cases were disqualified and 176 criminal charges were filed for the year.

Disqualified individuals are no eligible for benefits for periods ranging from at least six months to a permanent removal from the program.