When it is time apply for social security options, the process can start in person at a Social Security office or on line from a remote location. The online process is recommended on the Social Security website SSA.gov as “the easiest way to complete your application at a time that works for you, without a trip to the Social Security office.” Who doesn’t want easy?
Applying online even guarantees personal identifiable information (PII) readily available if filed at the comfort of home which is helpful as the website says a Social Security card, birth certificate or proof of age may be asked for. “May” being the key word that fraudsters like to see as in the case of John Logan Capps III.
For over 20 years, Capps used several stolen identities to fraudulently apply for and receive SSA benefits. Using stolen identities is easier from the comfort of a couch at home! In total, Capps is responsible for receiving $1,364,648.40 in stolen funds from the SSA.
On September 8, 2022, Capps was sentenced to 18 months in prison followed by 36 months of supervised release. Fortunately, Capps won’t have any financial income while in prison. As you are not allowed to receive Social Security benefits while incarcerated, Capps own SS benefits will be suspended until the month he is released. No backpay is given!
In addition to his prison sentence, Capps was ordered to pay over $1.3 million in restitution.
Today’s Fraud of the Day is based on an article “FM man sentenced for stealing Social Security Benefits” published by Mohave Valley Daily News on October 2, 2022
FORT MOHAVE — A Fort Mohave man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to stealing more than $1 million in Social Security benefits by using stolen identities. John Logan Capps III, 71, was sentenced last month by Chief U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow to 18 months in prison, to be followed by 36 months of supervised release. Capps also was ordered to pay more than $1.3 million in restitution.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, Capps used stolen identities over a 20-year span to apply for and receive Social Security Administration benefits.
