Bureau of Fraud Investigation Letters – How to Respond

Did you receive a letter from the Bureau of Fraud Investigation?  Did they ask you to come in for an “interview”?

​You are not alone.  The Bureau of Fraud Investigation sends out more than 5,000 of these target letters every year.  In some cases, it is just a mistake.  In other cases, it is a serious matter that can result in criminal charges and even a prison sentence.

What will happen in your case?  That depends on how you respond to the letter.

You have received this letter because the Bureau of Fraud Investigation believes that you lied on your application or recertification for benefits.  Some of the common problems are:  (1) not disclosing all of your income; (2) claiming that you and your partner or spouse are separated when you still live together; (3) not disclosing a change in your income; (4) having living expenses that are higher than your reported income; (5) not disclosing financial assistance from family members or other sources; and (6) continuing to receive Medicaid benefits from NYC after you moved outside the City.

The letter usually asks for tax returns, bank statements, and identification to prove where you live.

What happens next is extremely important.  Whatever you do, do NOT ignore this letter.  You need to respond.  And the best response is based on careful preparation with an experienced Medicaid fraud defense lawyer.

Do not try to handle the investigators on your own.  They handle thousands of these investigations every year.  If you self-incriminate yourself, they may charge you with serious crimes that can result in heavy fines, a criminal record, and even a prison sentence.

Get an experienced Medicaid fraud lawyer on your side.  To schedule a free and confidential consultation, call The Howley Law Firm at (212) 601-2728.