The Welfare Fraud Unit investigates abuses of the various public assistance programs administered by the state and federal governments through the Ventura County Human Services Agency. This is accomplished in a variety of ways from verifying information on new applications for assistance to investigating fraud committed over an extended period of time. Those programs investigated include Cal-Works, food stamps and general relief. Suspected fraud involving other assistance associated with these programs, such as child care and public housing, are also investigated. Where substantial amounts of public assistance funds have been acquired by means of fraudulent conduct, consideration is given to initiating criminal proceedings.

Anyone with information about possible fraudulent activity can report the information to the Welfare Fraud Hotline at (805) 477-1605.