98. What should I do if I am contacted by the Bureau of Special Investigations (BSI)?

If DTA thinks you were overpaid because of your mistake or because you committed fraud, it may refer your case to 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 will not stop just because you do not go to the interview. But, if you do not go, BSI may decide to send the case back to DTA to collect the overpayment or refer the case for a prosecution for welfare fraud.

If you do go a BSI interview, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you. Try to consult with an advocate 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, consult an advocate first.