Local News in Brief : Fraud Hot Line Reports Up
The number of telephoned reports of alleged welfare fraud has increased sharply since Los Angeles County officials in March began offering a reward and anonymity to informants, county officials said Monday.
Supervisor Mike Antonovich and Eddy Tanaka, director of the county’s Department of Public Social Services, said the number of calls to a special toll-free “welfare fraud” number has grown by 58% over a similar period last year. The increase follows the county’s decision to provide $30,000 in reward money and another $30,000 in administrative funds for the WeTip program.
Under the program, callers could make up to $500--with $100 paid by the county--if there is a welfare fraud conviction.
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