A federal investigation has been launched in the United States into online 'step-by-step' guides to scam government benefits, after fraudsters used social media platforms, podcasts, and online forums to share methods for targeting public assistance programmes. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) said it will review how criminals distribute fraud tactics online and how agencies, including the Small Business Administration (SBA) respond to the growing problem.
The investigation follows concerns raised by Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa, who requested a review after citing examples of people openly discussing government fraud schemes online.
