Identity Theft Steals Billions From Pandemic Relief – American Rescue Plan Oversight Will Do Better

The White House recently released a statement about the American Rescue Plan oversight.
Two things stand out.
-
They have created an interagency COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force.
This will be tasked to investigate and prosecute domestic and international criminals intent on exploiting relief programs for personal and financial gain — and recover stolen funds.
-
They are launching a new Initiative on Identity Theft Prevention and Public Benefits.
Here's what President Biden said:
"There is perhaps no oversight issue inherited by my Administration that is as serious as the exploitation of relief programs by criminal syndicates using stolen identities to steal government benefits. Last year, this type of criminal behavior robbed American families of billions of dollars that should have gone to support small businesses and workers who had lost their jobs. To combat that threat, I welcome the Department of Justice’s announcement today of the creation of an interagency COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force. Through this task force, the Justice Department will work with other agencies to investigate and prosecute domestic and international criminals intent on exploiting relief programs for personal and financial gain — and recover stolen funds. In addition, I have directed my ARP Implementation Coordinator to build on his team’s ongoing efforts by launching a new Initiative on Identity Theft Prevention and Public Benefits. Together with the Office of Management and Budget, this team will bring a whole-of-government approach to develop recommendations to help stop these criminal syndicates before they can prey on relief funds that belong to the American people."![]()