Fraud expert says hidden networks fuel major benefit scams

A fraud expert told Fox News Digital that criminals are using stolen identities and newly created shell companies to file false claims for governmentfunded health and social services that were never delivered. Haywood Talcove, CEO of LexisNexis Risk Solutions Government, said the schemes can look legitimate on paper because they rely on LLC registrations, selfreported information, and weak verification checks. He said the problem has been seen in Minnesota and elsewhere, where fraudulent billing has involved services such as child care, autism care, wheelchairs, and diabetes treatments. Talcove said the financial losses are only part of the issue, arguing that some of these operations are tied to broader criminal activity, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and cybercrime. He pointed to Minnesota’s Feeding Our Future case as an example of how fraud can spread through public programs before it is detected. The article also noted that the Trump administration created an antifraud task force this year after the Minnesota scandal, as federal and state officials face pressure to strengthen oversight and reduce losses in taxpayerfunded programs.