If you’ve been contacted by the NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) about a potential fraud investigation in NYC involving your Medicaid or SNAP (food stamp) benefits, it’s important to act fast and protect yourself. The HRA’s Bureau of Fraud Investigation has the power to dig through your financial records, question your eligibility, and if they believe you intentionally withheld or misrepresented information refer your case for criminal prosecution. Every word you say and every document you submit can have long lasting consequences for your benefits, finances, and even your freedom.
That’s why you need an experienced legal team that understands exactly how these investigations work and how to defend you. The Law Office of Inna Fershteyn focuses on HRA fraud defense and has guided many New York clients through this intimidating process, protecting their rights and working toward the best possible outcome.
Why Choose Us
Tailored Defense Strategies
No two cases are alike. We don’t rely on generic scripts or one-size-fits-all answers. Instead, we carefully analyze your personal and financial circumstances, the specific allegations the HRA is raising, and the evidence they have. From there, we build a custom strategy to address risk points and pursue the most favorable resolution.
Deep Knowledge of HRA Processes
We know how the Bureau of Fraud Investigation operates, how they review applications, what data sources they cross check, and which red flags trigger deeper inquiries. Our familiarity with internal procedures lets us spot weaknesses in the investigation and negotiate effectively before the case escalates.
Client First Philosophy
We believe you deserve personal attention and clear communication. You’ll work directly with an attorney who knows your case inside out, not just staff members or paralegals. Our job is not only to defend you but also to guide and reassure you through each step.
Protection of Ancillary Interests
HRA fraud investigations can affect more than just benefits. They can create immigration risks, threaten professional licenses, or harm your public record and reputation. We take these broader consequences seriously and plan your defense to protect every aspect of your life.
What We Do
Case Evaluation & Strategy Planning
The moment you retain us, we review every detail of your case: the letters you’ve received, the nature of the allegations, your household composition, employment and income history, bank statements, and any data discrepancies. We then map out a defense plan to reduce exposure and prepare for what the HRA will focus on.
Representation at the HRA Interview
If you’ve been asked to appear for an HRA fraud interview, don’t go alone. These sessions can feel informal but are designed to gather evidence. We attend with you or in certain cases, appear on your behalf to ensure you don’t make damaging admissions or give investigators more than required.
Document Management
HRA often demands extensive paperwork: pay stubs, tax returns, bank records, proof of rent or mortgage, household composition, support payments, and more. We organize and review every document, challenge irrelevant or excessive requests, and push back when the HRA’s demands exceed their authority.
Negotiation & Administrative Resolution
Our top priority is to settle matters before they escalate. We negotiate directly with HRA investigators to reduce or eliminate repayment demands, avoid criminal referral, and preserve benefits when possible.
Common Triggers for HRA Fraud Investigations
Here are the most common triggers that could lead to an HRA fraud investigation:
- Failure to report earned or unearned income or sudden increases in income
- Undisclosed cash businesses or unreported bank deposits
- Omitting household members, such as a spouse or someone contributing financially
- Inaccurate address or living arrangement claims
- Receiving duplicate benefits in another city or state
- Suspicious data matches with tax records, DMV, or employer databases
Possible Consequences of an HRA Fraud Investigation
Being under investigation can feel intimidating and for good reason. The outcomes can be serious:
- Repayment of benefits
- Suspension or permanent disqualification from Medicaid, SNAP, or other public programs
- Civil lawsuits on property or bank accounts
- Referral to the District Attorney for criminal charges such as welfare fraud or grand larceny
- Felony or misdemeanor convictions carrying fines, probation, or even jail time
- Immigration consequences, including jeopardized status or removal proceedings
- Loss of professional licenses and harm to your personal and professional reputation
Investigations Are Real and Rising in NYC
- Thousands of individuals in New York City are investigated each year by HRA’s Bureau of Fraud Investigation for suspected misrepresentation or improper receipt of benefits.
- At the state level, the NY State Welfare Inspector General reviewed over 1,000 allegations in 2023, uncovering around $1.3 million in improper payments.
- Serious cases of benefit fraud including those involving HRA employees have resulted in multi-million dollar thefts and criminal prosecutions (one DOI inquisition found over $2.4 million stolen in four employee fraud schemes).
- Because the agency is actively investigating and referring cases, what may start as an administrative audit can escalate into full criminal charges or large financial liability demands.
What You Should and Shouldn’t Do
Do:
- Contact an experienced attorney immediately after receiving an HRA letter or call.
- Save all relevant documents: bank statements, pay stubs, leases, tax returns, proof of child support or other payments.
- Be honest and open with your lawyer so they can build the strongest defense.
- Let your attorney handle all communications with HRA investigators.
Don’t:
- Attend an HRA interview alone or unrepresented.
- Provide statements or documents without legal review.
- Attempt to negotiate or “explain yourself” to investigators they are building a case.
- Hide, destroy, or alter any records.
HRA Fraud Client Testimonials & Results
“Highly recommend the Law Office of Inna Fershteyn to anyone who got a letter from HRA regarding the Medicaid Fraud investigation. I do not recommend anyone dealing with those pushy. She intimidated me with all sorts of questions and finally told me that I can go to jail. Inna Fershteyn provided me with peace of mind and explained all possible outcomes of my case, in fact, I never had to deal with those nasty investigators again, which was a great belief.” –Kimberly H.
“When me and my wife got the HRA letter we don’t know what to do. My friend referred me to her and gave me her phone #. I called the office and the next day I got an appointment. They work fast and all the people who work there they are very nice. They do all the work for you. If you want something done right she is the lawyer you have to call.” – Michael K.
Attorney Inna Fershteyn Closes HRA Investigation Case With $0
HRA Fraud Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What triggers an HRA fraud investigation?
It usually begins with a discrepancy or a red flag: mismatches in income reporting, undeclared members, changes in address or employment, or cross‐agency data matches.
Do I have to attend the HRA interview?
You are under strong pressure to comply, but doing the interview unrepresented can backfire. We often negotiate delays or conditions, and in many cases attend or represent you.
Will I automatically be criminally charged?
No. Many cases are resolved administratively. But if the HRA sees serious fraud, they may refer to the DA. Early and skilled representation can reduce that risk.
Can I lose my Medicaid entirely?
In some scenarios, yes, you may lose your medicaid eligibility, but part of our role is to preserve your benefits while limiting exposure.
How long do these investigations last?
It depends. Some wrap in a few months; others drag longer, especially if they become a criminal case.
Get Help Immediately
Don’t wait. The first days of an HRA fraud inquiry are critical.
Call (718) 333-2394 for a confidential case evaluation.
