Two Mexican Citizens Charged with Social Security ID Fraud

The US government is serious on eradicating illegal aliens in the country. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has updated its system in tracing false documents. Identity fraud seems to be the fastest way to experience a federal trial nowadays.

Such is the situation of two Mexican citizens who were facing identity theft charges after submitting fake papers for employment, according to reports on Sunday.

According to reports, Juan Pablo Sotelo-Castro and Jose Luis Morones-Garcia have used tampered Social Security cards when they settled and applied for work in Iowa and Illinois.

Authorities filed identity theft and other charges against both men in US District Court in Cedar Rapids on Sept. 20. Sotelo-Castro and Morones-Garcia were detained awaiting trial.

Using tampered Social Security cards just to comply with employment requirements may give you temporary cash, but result in a series of legal mishaps in the near future. The government is more sophisticated nowadays with its E-Verify system and updated database so it’s almost impossible to get away with the crime.

If you are not yet caught with your identity fraud, better correct your employment papers and face the penalties to avoid longer jail time. The authorities may reduce your charges when you take the initiative to correct your acts.

For more information on identity theft, you may consult with a Social Security lawyer in Los Angeles. Your attorney will help you go through the legal process. Dial 1-866-772-2889 or email us at ssla@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Grandmother Faces Restitution and Probation Sentence for Social Security Scam

Do not mess with Social Security Administration (SSA).

This is the message that SSA wants to convey to beneficiaries at the height of Social Security screening times.

For the past months, Social Security has imposed stringent screening among members regarding unusual accounts; Cases of identity and tax frauds surface throughout the country. One of the latest violation detected is Dixie Yvonne Spears' illegal taking of $15,743 worth of benefits.

According to reports, Spears, 71 years old, continued to receive benefits on behalf of her grandchild from January 2008 to February 2010 though the later was no longer living with her. The SSA figured out the fraud and filed lawsuit against her. She was sentenced to pay $8,658.30 as remaining amount for restitution and $1,100 as penalties.

Spears will face 10 years of imprisonment if the probation is revoked, reports said.

Failure to report discrepancy in your Social Security account may cause legal trouble such as the above case. It will be better for beneficiaries to alot time in processing the correction than undergoing SSA’s litigation.

The SSA mandates beneficiaries to inform the agency on overpayments or changes in member status. This helps the agency to adjust the benefits ahead of time to avoid future legal problems. Failure to abide with SSA’s policy on overpayment may result to legal consequences such as restitution and imprisonment.

For more information on overpayment, you may consult with a Social Security lawyer
in Los Angeles. Your attorney will help you undergo the legal process. Dial 1-866-772-2889 or email us at ssla@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Bakersfield Woman Faces 10 years of Imprisonment for SS Fraud

A relative of a Social Security retirement beneficiary pleaded guilty to fraud before US District Judge Lawrence Neill on Thursday.

Nancy Ann Keenan, 56, admitted that she failed to report her great-aunt's death on July 6, 2003. The Social Security Administration (SSA) continued to send monthly checks from July 2003 to July 2010 and Keenan used the deceased's retirement benefits for her personal expenses, reports said.

According to SSA investigation reports, Keenan had collected more than $70,000 from the agency and had also signed checks from her great-aunt's bank account.

Keenan faces a maximum of 10 years imprisonment and $250,000 fine.

Failure to report your loved one’s death to SSA and using the benefits of the deceased for personal expenses is considered fraud. The agency can impose grave penalties and demand repayment if the accused is proven guilty.

If SSA discovers that you cannot repay the amount, it can collect the damages from your other family members’ Social Security benefits. This means your violation of SSA policies can affect your family members’ benefits.

If your relative has no legal dependents and you are his or her next of kin, you may consult a Social Security lawyer who can help you process legal documents that may qualify you as a beneficiary. You do not have to commit fraud just to receive living allowances. Also, it is better to report Social Security account changes immediately to avoid any legal consequences.

For more information on Social Security retirement benefits, dial our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889, or email us at ssla@mesriani.com for free case analysis.

Appealing Rejected Disability Benefits Claim

Workers who had paid enough social security taxes can receive disability benefits after an accident or an illness that left them unable to do work and earn a living.

However, almost half of disability claims are rejected by the Social Security Administration as they do not meet the requirements that would qualify them as a beneficiary. This happens because they make bogus claims or fail to prove their disability. Some of these rejected eligible applicants don’t bother to appeal their case and thus, lose the chance to get the benefits they deserved.

The first part of the appeals process is the reconsideration stage wherein the rejected applicant can ask the SSA to review his case and provide new evidence that will support his claims.

If the claim is again rejected in the reconsideration stage, then applicants can ask for a hearing where they can present expert witnesses who can give statements about the claimant’s condition.

The appeals council is the third stage wherein the eligibility can be determined. The council may reject the request, determine the eligibility of the claims, or have an administrative law judge (ALJ) to again review the case.

If a worker’s case is again rejected by the appeals council, he can file a lawsuit before a federal court and go against the SSA. At this process, it is advised that the worker acquire the services of an expert social security lawyer who can assist him in his presentation of the case.