Types of Evidence in Food Stamp Fraud Cases in New York City: What Investigators Look For

There are various kinds of evidence that Investigators use in Food Stamp fraud cases. The most common evidence they have are simple things like your benefit application and recertification, as well as the other documents you've submitted to them. They also have access to a summary of state and federal income tax returns, so they can see who files an income tax return that includes your address or members of your household. And they can pull people's driver's licenses. Once they have that information, they often do an in-person verification. For most cases, this is enough evidence to uncover Food Stamp fraud and they don't even have to do anything else.

They can also get additional evidence if needed. They can use both documentary and surveillance evidence. They have digital footprints from the benefit card that you are using - they know where you go and when. And they can cross-referencemultiple data sources, which means they can use their existing evidence to get more evidence. And lastly, your own statements to investigators can become evidence.

That is why it's important to have an attorney involved as early as possible in the process. If you need to speak to an attorney, you can call us at 212-233-1233.

Documentary Evidence

Financial Records

Investigators have access to a wide range of financial records that can be used as evidence in food stamp fraud cases. These records provide a detailed picture of your income, expenses, assets, and financial activities:

• Bank statements showing deposits and withdrawals, including regular income deposits, large or suspicious transactions, and transfers between accounts
• Tax returns and W-2 forms showing reported income from employment, self-employment, investments, and other sources
• Pay stubs from employers detailing earnings, deductions, and pay periods
• Business ownership records, such as articles of incorporation, partnership agreements, and business licenses
• Investment account statements, including brokerage accounts, retirement accounts, and other financial holdings
• Credit card statements revealing spending patterns, travel expenses, and recurring charges
• Loan applications and agreements, including mortgages, car loans, and personal loans
• Money transfer records from services like Western Union or MoneyGram
• Invoices and receipts for major purchases or expenses
• Gambling records, such as casino statements or lottery ticket purchases

Property Records

Evidence of assets and residency that investigators may examine includes:

• Property deeds and mortgage documents: These records show ownership of real estate, including houses, apartments, land, and commercial properties. Deeds contain information about the property's location, ownership history, and purchase price. Mortgage documents reveal loan amounts, lender information, and repayment terms.
• Lease agreements: Rental contracts provide evidence of where an individual or family resides. These agreements typically include the tenant's name, the property address, the lease term, and the monthly rent amount. Investigators may compare lease information to the addresses reported on benefit applications.
• Utility bills showing service addresses: Electricity, gas, water, and telecommunications bills can establish proof of residency. These bills usually include the account holder's name, the service address, and the billing period. Investigators may look for discrepancies between the addresses on utility bills and those reported to the food stamp program.
• Property tax records: Local governments maintain records of property ownership and taxes paid. These records can show who owns a particular property, the assessed value of the property, and the amount of property taxes owed or paid. Investigators may use these records to identify undisclosed real estate assets.
• Vehicle registration and ownership documents: Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) records can provide evidence of vehicle ownership. These records typically include the owner's name, address, vehicle make and model, license plate number, and registration expiration date. Investigators may compare vehicle ownership information to the assets reported on benefit applications.

Digital Evidence

The investigators can use digital evidence of your benefits card usage and your online activity.

Benefit Card Usage Data

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards create detailed digital records:

• Transaction dates and times
• Store locations where benefits were used
• Purchase amounts and patterns
• Multiple transactions in short time periods
• Transactions far from reported residence

Online Activity

Digital footprints that may be examined include:

• Social media posts showing lifestyle inconsistent with reported income
• Online marketplace listings or business activities
• Employment profiles on job sites
• Digital payment service records (PayPal, Venmo, etc.)

Surveillance Evidence

Food samp investigators can also use surveilance as evidence against you. This includes physical surveilance and electronic surveilance.

Physical Surveillance

Investigators may gather evidence through:

• Photographs of residence and activities
• Video recordings of household members
• Observations of living arrangements
• Documentation of work activities

Electronic Surveillance

Modern investigation techniques include:

• License plate reader data
• Security camera footage from stores
• Electronic access records (building entry, etc.)
• Cell phone location data (with proper authorization)

Testimonial Evidence

Food Stamp investigators can use testimonial evidence against you as well. This includes evidence from statements and interviews, as well as application documents that you've submitted.

Statements and Interviews

Verbal evidence can come from multiple sources:

• Statements made to investigators
• Interview recordings and transcripts
• Written statements and affidavits
• Witness testimonies

Application Documents

Historical records that may be examined:

• Initial benefit applications
• Recertification documents
• Reported changes in circumstances
• Signed declarations and certifications

How Evidence is Used Against You

Investigators compile evidence to establish patterns and inconsistencies:

• Cross-referencing different data sources to verify information
• Building timeline of activities and transactions
• Documenting discrepancies between reported and actual circumstances
• Creating profiles of household composition and financial status

Protecting Your Rights

Understanding how evidence is collected and used is crucial for protecting your rights:

• Don't provide statements or documents without legal counsel
• Maintain accurate records of all communications
• Document any mitigating circumstances
• Seek legal representation before responding to investigators

Need Help With Your Food Stamp Investigation?

I'm Albert Goodwin, an experienced NYC food stamp fraud attorney. I can help protect your rights and develop a strong defense strategy. Call me at 212-233-1233