PrintIf DTA thinks you were overpaid because of your mistake or because you committed fraud, it may refer your case to the Bureau of Special Investigations (BSI). 106 C.M.R. § 706.240. DTA may also refer applications to BSI if the worker thinks you are lying about something.
BSI may tell you to come in for an interview. You do not have to go to the interview. Your benefits won’t stop just because you do not go to the interview. But if you don’t go, BSI may prosecute you for welfare fraud.
If you do go to a BSI interview, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you. Try to consult with an advocate at your local legal services program, Appendix D: Massachusetts Legal Services Offices, before you say anything. It may be best to remain silent even if you have not done anything wrong. You do not have to give BSI names of people to talk to.
Do not sign anything unless BSI has shown you how it figured the overpayment, you are sure that all the calculations are correct, and you agree with everything in the statement you are signing. Do not agree to a repayment schedule that you will not be able to keep or that will cause your family hardship. If you are unsure, contact your local legal services program, Appendix D: Massachusetts Legal Services Offices, for advice.
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