Fraud Hotline

Reacting to a welfare fraud arrest reported on Dec. 31, a letter writer (Jan. 7) asked if there was a welfare fraud hotline to call. The answer is an emphatic yes. Anyone can call We-Tip toll free at (800) 87-FRAUD or (800) 78-CRIME or the Los Angeles County central fraud hotline at (213) 749-4266 to report welfare fraud. Callers to We-Tip or the county fraud hotline can request a reward and can remain anonymous.

While many administrative procedures and systems are in place to prevent and detect welfare fraud, tips from the public are also an important way to identify criminals who are taking advantage of programs set up to help the less fortunate who legitimately need assistance. In fact, the investigation and arrest reported on Dec. 31 was the result of a tip.

In 1998 alone, our welfare fraud prevention and investigations section received over 10,000 tips from these fraud hotlines.

LYNN W. BAYER, Director

Dept. of Public Social Services

Los Angeles County