Many individuals associate fraud with large amount of money and elaborate schemes, but food stamp fraud is an offense that has received increased focus in recent years. The state of Georgia takes significant efforts to enforce violations regarding the administration of food stamps. If you are charged with food stamp fraud, it is a wise idea to retain the assistance of a skilled attorney who knows how to create a strong legal defense to these charges. This article will examine five of the most common types of food stamp fraud that occur in the state of Georgia so that individuals are aware of the wide way in which Georgia law enforcement prosecutes these crimes.
Method 1: Providing False Information for Verification Purposes
Food stamps fraud sometimes occurs because users attempt to manipulate debit cards for food stamps, which are electronically loaded. This technology sometimes involves individuals being forced to provide information about their identity for verification purposes, which can lead to individuals using another person’s verification card and providing false information about their financial history and residence. Individuals should never provide details in such a manner when using food stamps.
Method 2: Omitting Information During the Food Stamp Process
To be considered eligible for food stamps, individuals must answer specific questions about a variety of elements. In some cases, individuals knowingly omit information that would otherwise result in the rejection of food stamps. To avoid these types of charges, answer all information regarding food stamps as thoroughly as possible.
Method 3: Using a Fake Alias to Obtain Food Stamps
Some individuals not only omit details when obtaining food stamps, they go so far as to create a fake alias. After establishing this false identity, the person seeks to secure food stamps under this alternate name.
Myth 4: Selling Another Person’s Food Stamps
Sometimes even individuals who obtain benefits legitimately are known to abuse the ownership of food stamps by working with another party who wants to sell goods and services. In these cases, both the food stamp recipient and the entity that sells food stamps can face legal ramifications. As a result, no matter how much money a person is offered, avoid exchanging food stamps for any type of good or service.
Myth 5: Businesses That Operate in Food Stamp Fraud
In some cases, business owners are known to participate in food stamp fraud. The most common practice performed by stores is called food stamp trafficking, which involves trading food stamps for cash. For example, a customer might trade $150 worth of food stamp benefits for $75 worth of money, which results in the retailer being able to obtain the other $75.
Obtain the Assistance of a Skilled Attorney
If you are facing food stamp fraud charges, consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. The legal counsel at the Federal Criminal Defense Law Center can help to create a strong legal defense is committed to making sure that your case resolves in the best possible manner.
