The disability program created under the Social Security Act was originally intended to benefit the severely disabled, but crooks are taking advantage of the law with plots to illegally make money. The Office of the Inspector General for Social Security recently reported the results of a comprehensive investigation, which demonstrates how important it is for authorities to be catching Social Security disability fraudsters in the act.
Recent Activities By The OIG
- Using hidden cameras and tracking complicated paper trails to apprehend criminals, as in the case of Washington State’s Cooperative Disability Investigation Program (CDIP). The office is dedicated to detecting these crimes and is busy with 10 to 12 case investigations every week.
- One recent case involved Ramona Hayes and Cory Eglash, who were operating a café in the San Juan Islands. Eglash completed a disability application, which prompted a review of Hayes’ disability application. She was already receiving payments due to alleged anxiety, severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. By the time CDIP caught her scheme, she had stolen more than $40,000.
- Eglash claimed in his disability application that he couldn’t lift, bend over, stand for lengths of time, kneel or complete job-related tasks. However, CDIP uncovered financial records that proved he had a second job at an aquarium and was engaged with volunteer efforts.
Agencies such as CDIP state that this story is common and they’re catching Social Security disability fraudsters in the act frequently. They claim debilitating disabilities on their applications, but are in good condition to work. Patrick O’Carroll, Inspector General for Social Security, asserts that these con men bilk millions from the Government annually. His office is actively pursuing those who submit applications under questionable circumstances, including:
- A man who stated that he couldn’t drive to work, but then was caught on closed-captioned cameras riding a motorcycle;
- An individual with shoulder problems who reportedly confined him to an electric cart to get around, but was seen on camera playing football; and,
- A woman who complained that difficulties lifting, squatting and bending over prevented her from working. She was also caught on camera, lifting an electric scooter into a vehicle.
All of these claims were denied based upon information acquired by O’Carroll’s team of financial crimes investigators.
In an average year, Social Security distributes more than $175 billion to individuals due to disability. At the same time, during fiscal year 2013, the agency’s inspectors received almost 72,000 claims alleging that fraud was involved in obtaining disability benefits.
It’s clear that catching Social Security disability fraudsters in the act is key to preventing these schemes. One of the most shocking cases involved police officers and fire department officials in New York City. Over 130 individuals were indicted for conspiring in a scheme to steal over $2.2 million from the U.S government.
Hidden cameras used by agents have proven to be very successful in catching Social Security disability fraudsters in the act. Capturing imposters engaging in activities contrary to what they reported on Social Security applications for disability has led to convictions and jail for many.
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Veriti Consulting LLC provides professional fraud investigation services across the U.S. Veriti is also a licensed private investigation agency. Learn more about our fraud investigation services by calling 855.232.4410 or contact us via email.
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