How to report someone selling food stamps

OTDA Home Resources & Data Reporting Welfare Fraud

This page is only for reporting welfare fraud committed in New York State, for the following programs:

  • Public/Cash Assistance
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

To report welfare fraud being committed in a state outside of New York, visit the United Council on Welfare Fraud’s website to find contact information for welfare fraud reporting in other states.

To report other types of fraud committed in New York State, see Additional Fraud Reporting Resources below.

To report suspected Child Abuse/Child Maltreatment in New York State, call 1-800-342-3720. This is the toll-free number for the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment, operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. Information about suspected child abuse and maltreatment that is reported to the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance using the Report Welfare Fraud Online Form will not be sent to the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment.

Potentially Fraudulent Welfare Situations That Can Be Reported

  • Unreported Income (either earned or unearned)
    • Please give the employer’s name and address, type of income, when it started, how often paid, etc.
  • Hidden Assets (bank accounts, property, etc.)
    • Please give the bank’s name and address, street address and city of property, etc.
  • Unreported Changes in Household Composition (either someone moved into or out of the home)
    • Please give the name of the individual who moved in/out, when the move took place, relationship of individual to case, approximate age of individual.
  • Unreported Changes in Shelter Costs/Falsified Shelter Costs
    • Please explain what changed or what was falsified, including landlord information and address.
  • False Parental Custody
    • Please give the name/approximate age of the child and address where the child is actually living.
  • SNAP Trafficking (Selling EBT cards for money, drugs, etc.)
    • Please give the name and address of the store or individual who buys the EBT card.

Welfare Fraud Reporting Form

Please complete’s OTDA's Report Welfare Fraud Online Form if you suspect, or have knowledge of, a social services client fraudulently receiving assistance in New York State from:

  • Public/Cash Assistance
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • or Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

Once the form is completed, you will have the option to submit it electronically, print it and mail it in or fax it to the address indicated on the form.

Printable Welfare Fraud Reporting Form Now Available in Additional Languages

Complete a printable version of the Report Welfare Fraud Form in your preferred language. Once you have finished the form, print it and mail it in or fax it to the address indicated on the form.

Thank you for your assistance in helping to maintain the integrity of New York State’s assistance programs.

Additional Fraud Reporting Resources

  • New York State Medicaid/Medical Assistance Fraud - call 1-877-873-7283
  • SSI (Supplemental Security Income) Fraud - call 1-800-269-0271
  • Social Security Disability Insurance Fraud - call 1-800-269-0271
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Vendor Fraud - call 1-800-424-9121 or email

If you know or suspect someone fraudulently received Families First, Food Stamps, Child Care, Vocational Rehabilitation or any other DHS program contact the Human Services Fraud Hotline: 1-800-241-2629 or 615-741-7445 (within the Nashville area).

Or email:  

Contact the Complaint Hotline at 1-800-462-8261

Click here to find out how.

For other questions or assistance not covered by the information above, please call Customer Service at (615) 313-4700 or fill out a Customer Inquiry Form. 

Report suspected fraud, waste or abuse involving Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) programs either online or by calling our toll-free fraud hotline (800-436-6184). The OIG investigates incidents involving:

  • Clients enrolled in assistance programs like Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, WIC and/or CHIP.
  • People or businesses offering goods or services to clients enrolled in a Texas HHS program (such as a retailer, doctor, dentist, therapist, managed care organizations and home or personal care attendants).
  • Abuse, neglect or exploitation of residents of a State Hospital, State Supported Living Center or residential assisted care facility.
  • Improper actions by a State of Texas employee or contractor associated with Texas HHS.
  • The abuse of prescription medications within Texas.
  • Additional concerns about the administration and operation of Texas HHS programs.

Why Report?

Everyone has a role in preventing fraud, waste and abuse in our health care system. People who abuse the system harm us all by driving up the cost of care. Safeguarding Texas tax dollars helps ensure the programs can serve the people who need them.

Tips for Reporting

Please provide as much information as possible. Helpful information includes:

  • The date of birth and Social Security number of the person you suspect is getting state benefits they are not entitled to receive.
  • The phone number and address of the person you suspect.
  • If you suspect a provider of wrongdoing, give the name and address of the clinic, office or business they work for.
  • Any other information you think might be helpful to an investigator.

Your Information Remains Confidential

Your identity and contact information will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by law.

What Happens Next?

When you submit your referral, you will receive a tracking number. Keep this number handy; you will need to provide it if you have more information to add later.

The OIG is prohibited from providing you with an update on the status of any open investigation.

To report fraud, waste, or abuse in a Texas health and human services program, click here, or call the OIG fraud hotline, 1-800-436-6184.

To report fraud, waste, or abuse regarding the expenditure of other state funds, contact the State Auditor's Office.

Help Us Fight Fraudulent Websites

If you are aware of a fraudulent website targeting HHS recipients or related to HHS programs, please report the concern to the FBI and the Texas Attorney General (referencing that it is a Cybercrimes referral)

Also advise the OIG through our fraud hotline (800-436-6184) or using our online Report Fraud form.