NYS Welfare Inspector General Releases 2025 Annual Report Detailing Fraud Investigations, Restitution Recoveries, and Partnerships
Office Received 927 Complaints, Advanced Criminal Cases Resulting in Arrests, Convictions, and Sentencings, and the Recovery of over $500,000
Managing Investigator Recognized With New York Welfare Fraud Investigators Association (NYWFIA) Board’s President’s Award
ALBANY, NY – New York State Welfare Inspector General Lucy Lang today announced the release of the Office of the Welfare Inspector General’s (OWIG) 2025 Annual Report, detailing the agency’s efforts to protect public assistance programs, combat fraud, support vulnerable New Yorkers, and safeguard taxpayer resources across the State.
In 2025, OWIG received 927 complaints, including 189 allegations of fraud and 738 requests for assistance from residents, local agencies, and partner organizations. Resulting investigations brought an end to numerous criminal schemes, leading to arrests, guilty pleas, convictions, and over $500,000 in court-ordered restitution to state and federal public assistance programs.
"Every dollar stolen from public assistance programs is a dollar taken from someone who truly needs it," said New York State Welfare Inspector General Lucy Lang. "Our investigators, attorneys, and professional staff work every day to protect public resources, foster confidence in government programs, and ensure critical benefits reach eligible New Yorkers. This report reflects OWIG's commitment to accountability, integrity, and service."
Under the leadership of Attorney-in-Charge Andrew Weiss and Managing Investigator Jason Fazio, OWIG investigated a wide range of fraud schemes, including concealed income, identity theft, benefits collected after a recipient’s death, and recipients improperly receiving benefits while residing outside New York State. In recognition of his dedication to combating welfare fraud and protecting public resources, Fazio was recently presented with the President’s Award by the New York Welfare Fraud Investigators Association (NYWFIA) Board.
The office also provided investigative support, legal guidance, and training to local Departments of Social Services, helping identify improper payments and strengthen fraud prevention efforts statewide. Similarly, OWIG continued to expand its partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies, recognizing that combating increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes requires coordinated action. Throughout the year, the office worked closely with the New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the Office of Children and Family Services, local social services districts, prosecutors, and law enforcement agencies.
OWIG expanded its interagency efforts through its participation in the Gun Violence Strategies Partnership, a multi-agency intelligence-sharing initiative that supports complex investigations and enhances public safety collaboration across jurisdictions. In addition, OWIG remained an active participant in the U.S. Department of Justice’s COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force, working with federal partners to combat pandemic-related fraud and support multi-state investigations involving stolen public benefits.
Beyond enforcement, OWIG remained focused on fraud prevention through education, providing training and guidance to local welfare fraud investigators, prosecutors, and social services officials, including presentations at statewide conferences and participation in the Welfare Fraud Investigator Training Institute.
Members of the public can report allegations of welfare fraud, abuse, waste, or misconduct by calling 1-800-DO-RIGHT (367-4448), submitting a complaint online at ig.ny.gov, or contacting OWIG through its social media channels @NewYorkStateIG including on X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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The Offices of the New York State Inspector General: Fostering confidence in New York State government by promoting integrity and transparency through oversight of covered agencies, their employees, and those doing business with the State.
To report wrongdoing, call 1-800-DO-RIGHT (367-4448) or visit ig.ny.gov.
Follow the office’s work on social media at @NewYorkStateIG.
