Woman Reportedly Embezzled Dead Person’s Benefits, Arrested for Social Security Fraud
A Low Country woman has been arrested on federal social security fraud charges for embezzling a dead person’s social security benefits.
A federal grand jury in Charleston, SC handed down an indictment against Laura Beth Dupree on Tuesday, September 10th, according to court records. She has been charged with one count of theft of government property.
The indictment does not offer the name of the deceased person whose benefits the defendant reportedly embezzled. However, it does accuse Dupree of social security fraud over a four-year period, beginning in 2009. Investigators said in the indictment that Dupree “willfully and knowingly did embezzle and convert to her use benefits of the Social Security Administration.” Reportedly, she stole over $1,000 in the social security fraud.
Dupree is a 59-year-old Bonneau resident. She is scheduled for arraignment on the social security fraud charges in the US District Court in Charleston on September 24th.
Social Security Fraud Becomes More Sophisticated with Cell Phones and the Internet
Unfortunately, thieves are already becoming increasingly sophisticated, developing new ways of stealing Social Security recipients’ identities.
It is important to keep in mind that the Internal Revenue Service, Medicare, and other federal programs never reach out to benefits recipients by phone – it is incumbent on the recipient to contact the federal program by phone themselves. Federal agencies communicate with Social Security recipients strictly by mail.
Officials say that if a Social Security recipient receives a letter saying that their benefits have been rerouted to a new bank account, the recipient should immediately contact the Social Security Administration.
Social security fraud is a serious federal charge. If you know someone who is committing social security fraud, you should immediately report their activities at this website.
If you believe someone has stolen your identity or is misusing your benefits, you should contact the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services immediately. You should also get in touch with a lawyer to help defend you.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Social Security Fraud
Applying for social security can be a long, complicated process. The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help. We understand that if you have applied for, and been denied, Social Security benefits, you can end up with mounting medical bills, lost wages and lost assets. This creates a difficult financial situation for you and your family. The Strom Law Firm has the experience and legal resources necessary to appeal your social security disability denial before the government, and win your disability benefits.
If you are disabled and unable to work, contact The Strom Law Firm, LLC today for a free consultation with our Social Security Disability Benefits Attorney to discuss the facts of your case and the medical documentation necessary to establish your claim of disability. While the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm work with our clients to defend against federal charges, we also work with victims. Identity theft can ruin your credit, and prevent you from receiving benefits you need and deserve, such as social security. Do not let social security fraud harm your health and finances – contact the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm today. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case. 803.252.4800.
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