Food stamp fraud in North Carolina involves the illegal use of government benefits intended for low-income individuals and families. This can include activities such as trafficking benefits, misrepresenting income or household size, and using benefits to purchase non-eligible items. Food stamp fraud is a serious crime that can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Food stamp fraud is a major problem in North Carolina, costing taxpayers millions of dollars each year. In 2021, the state Department of Health and Human Services investigated over 10,000 cases of suspected food stamp fraud, resulting in the disqualification of over 5,000 households from the program. The department has also taken steps to crack down on fraud, including increasing the number of fraud investigators and implementing new screening procedures.