May 14, 2025, Press Release from Allen County Job and Family Services:
LIMA, Ohio – Allen County Job and Family Services (JFS) is recognizing May as Public Assistance Fraud Awareness Month with a clear message to the community: “Fraud Costs All of Us.” As stewards of public assistance programs in Allen County, JFS is encouraging residents to report any suspected welfare fraud.
JFS provides essential services to county residents including SNAP benefits (food assistance), Medicaid, Cash Assistance, and Child Care Assistance. The agency’s fraud department works diligently to ensure all information provided by applicants is accurate and truthful. Unfortunately, the most common types of fraud involve misreporting household members and income.
When fraud is discovered, individuals are required to repay the assistance they received. Cases may be handled internally, resulting in a disqualification period, or may be referred to the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office for criminal prosecution. In recent years, several cases of public assistance fraud have been successfully prosecuted in Allen County. These cases highlight the importance of accurate reporting and the agency’s commitment to protecting public resources. In one instance, an individual was found guilty of illegally using SNAP benefits, a 5th-degree felony, after failing to disclose that another adult was living in the household—an omission that impacted eligibility. As a result, the individual was sentenced to two years of community control and ordered to repay over $18,000 in restitution to Allen County JFS.
This case serves as a reminder that providing false or incomplete information can lead to serious legal consequences. The agency continues to investigate and pursue cases of fraud to ensure that assistance is available for those who truly need it.
Report Suspected Fraud
Residents are encouraged to help protect public funds by reporting suspected fraud. Reports can be made anonymously through the following channels:
- Phone: 419-228-2120
- Email: allen-fraud@jfs.ohio.gov
- Online: https://acjfs.org/report-fraud/
Public assistance is funded by taxpayers. It is the agency’s responsibility to ensure that these resources are used properly, and that fraud is addressed seriously. Allen County appreciates the public’s help in identifying potential abuse.
