How to Report Link Card Fraud

Link card fraud can be stopped through the actions of concerned citizens like you! The Link card program is a benefit system that helps Illinois citizens in need, but it can sometimes be taken advantage of. If you witness fraud, you can submit a report online. Alternatively, you can address the situation by reporting it by phone. Your initiative can help save taxpayer money and protect the benefits program.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Reporting Fraud Online

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has made it easy for individuals to report medicaid and welfare fraud in the state. A fraud report form can be filled out and submitted electronically, leaving you the option of staying anonymous. Find the form on the department's website at https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/oig/Pages/ReportFraud.aspx .
Under the "Subject Information" section, provide necessary information about the subject of Link card fraud. This includes their first and last name, age, and sex. Other details, such as their date of birth, address, employer information, and social security number are not mandatory, but should be added if you know them.^{[1]XResearch source}
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3
Write out the details of your complaint in the space provided. The HFS fraud report form provides a space for you to write out details about the situation you are reporting. In the section titled, "Complaint Information," fill out the box marked "Complaint Detail" as succinctly as possible. You will have the option of noting underneath it whether or not you reported the fraud to other federal, state, or local agencies.^{[2]XResearch source}
- The "Complaint Detail" box is a mandatory section of the form and must be filled out.
Filling out your own information will allow the state department to contact you for follow up questions. If you are willing to be identified as the person filing a report, complete the "Your Contact Information" section of the form. Provide your full name, address, phone number, and email address.^{[3]XResearch source}
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Reporting Fraud by Phone

1
Contact the Illinois HFS fraud hotline on weekdays between 8:30-4:45 pm. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has a dedicated phone numbers for reporting Link card fraud. Dial 1-844-453-7283 on weekdays during business hours to speak to a representative. Provide all the details you can about the fraud you witnessed and answer as many questions as you can.^{[4]XResearch source}
- This hotline is toll-free.
2
Call the Illinois Link Help Line if you can't reach the fraud hotline. The Illinois Link Help Line is a general inquiry service line that is offered in English, Arabic, Chinese, Polish, Spanish, or Urdu. Follow the guided menu to select your language options and identify yourself with your Link card number. Choose the menu option for speaking to a live representative.^{[5]XResearch source}
- You can reach the help line by dialing 1-800-678-LINK (5465).
- This line is only open to individuals who have a Link card.
3
Call the USDA Office of Inspector General to file a report. The United States Department of Agriculture fields reports about SNAP card from across the country, including Illinois. Call the department to provide clear details about what you've witness and answer any questions asked of you. Dial one of three numbers listed on the USDA website: ^{[6]XResearch source}
- (800) 424-9121
- (202) 690-1622
- (202) 690-1202 (TDD)
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