Fraud Prevention

Nevada County's Fraud Prevention Team works directly with our customers to provide guidance on program regulations, and help them make choices that are aligned with program rules. The Fraud Prevention Team's focus is to stop fraud before it happens. In situations where fraud has already occurred, the Fraud Prevention Team oversees Administrative Disqualification Hearings and collaborates with the District Attorney's office when criminal prosecution is warranted.

Medi-Cal Fraud

Medi-Cal fraud is an intentional attempt by a provider or a beneficiary to receive unauthorized payments or benefits from the program. This fraud can take many forms, but the most common involve providers knowingly billing for unnecessary services, for services not performed, or for more expensive services than they actually provide.

Reporting Medi-Cal Fraud

To report suspected Medi-Cal fraud, call the DHCS Medi-Cal Fraud Hotline telephone number: 1-800-822-6222.

The call is free and the caller may remain anonymous. You can also report by email or file an online complaint form. For more information about Medi-Cal fraud, visit the California Department of Health Care Services.

CalFresh, CalWORKS, and General Assistance Fraud

CalFresh, CalWORKS, and General Assistance fraud happens when people make false statements or fail to report important information in order to receive benefits to which they are not otherwise entitled. This fraud can take many forms, but the most common is not reporting income, or not telling the truth about who lives in the household. All income must be reported for Public Assistance programs, even if it is non-taxable or unearned income, such as under-the-table income or financial support from a family member.

Keep in mind that a person or family may still be eligible to Public Assistance even if they have a job or own a home. If you want to learn more about who might be eligible to Public Assistance before reporting suspected fraud, read this fact sheet about CalFresh or review the California Department of Social Services' CalWORKs website.

Reporting CalFresh, CalWORKs, and General Assistance Fraud

To report suspected fraud with CalFresh, CalWORKs, or General Assistance, email the Fraud Prevention Team or call 530-265-1792.