$177K in CalFresh, CalWORKs benefits stolen: LA DA

Five, eight people facing felony charges tonight accused of ripping off public benefits meant for struggling families. L.A. Prosecutors say they filed over 340 cases so far this year, alleging millions of dollars lost. Fox 11's Rachel Aragon live in El Monte with a closer look at the accusations, Rachel. Hey, Christine. Yeah, these benefits are meant to help people put food on table and help these families afford their very basic needs. But earlier today, we heard from district attorney Nathan Hockman, who says there are a few or a handful of fraudulent applicants, meaning people who are applying for these public assistance benefits, but who absolutely do not qualify for them. They're lying, cheating and stealing to get this public assistance money. LA County District Attorney Nathan Hockman announcing eight people have been charged with fraudulently obtaining over $175,000 in CalFresh and CalWORKs benefits. Money intended for low income Angelenos to pay for things like food, housing, utilities and clothing. I want to emphasize that the overwhelming number of recipients Of this public assistance money legitimately obtain it. But Hockman says there are some fraudulent applicants. He says the eight defendants are accused of repeatedly committing perjury on their public benefits applications and recertification. The DA detailing one of the people accused of ripping off the system. Turns out during this time, she had investment accounts with a monthly balance ranging from $60,000 to over $1 million. Yet she stated under penalty of perjury that she did not have any money in the bank. It's not right for people to be doing that, especially for people that need it. This family grocery shopping in Almonte tells me while they don't receive CalFresh benefits, the timing they say of the alleged fraud could not be worse for people who rely on public assistance. During the holidays and everything that's coming up right now and then- Prices are so high right now, and of course, you know, people that really need the groceries. The district attorney's office says they're also looking into cases where fraudsters are targeting people's EBT cards. Those are the debit cards we've loaded monthly with the funds for families to buy food and other basic needs. They basically go ahead and rip off the EBT card itself, often with EBT skimmers. That are in either ATM machines or local businesses, trying to get the PIN numbers and the actual codes to loot and deplete these accounts. But to the fraudsters beware, we're gonna come after you. Now the LA County District Attorney also recommending these tips right here. You see to protect your card and EBT benefits. That includes things like checking your EBT balance after each purchase, changing your PIN regularly, using tap to pay electronic chip and even covering your hand, of course, when typing in that PIN. Reporting live tonight. I'm Rachel Aragon. Christine, I'll send it back to you in the studio.