Kokomo Woman Collected $231K in Social Security by Pretending Late Husband Was Alive

Kokomo, IN — A 70-year-old woman from Kokomo, Indiana, has been sentenced to three years of probation after illegally collecting more than $231,000 in Social Security benefits by falsely claiming her deceased husband was still alive.

Rebecca Fields pleaded guilty to making false statements to the Social Security Administration (SSA), leading to her sentencing in federal court. As part of her punishment, she has been ordered to repay the entire amount—$231,203.10—she fraudulently received.

How the Scheme Worked?

According to court documents, Fields’ husband, identified as “L.F.,” began receiving Social Security retirement benefits in July 1985. In December 2002, Fields was officially designated as L.F.’s representative payee, a role that allows an individual to manage benefits on behalf of someone who is unable to do so themselves.

However, after L.F. passed away on April 10, 2006, Fields failed to notify the SSA of his death. Instead, she continued to submit fraudulent documents to the agency, falsely stating that he was still alive and residing with her.

Between 2007 and 2022, Fields submitted at least 13 false Representative Payee Reports, misleading the SSA into continuing benefit payments. Over the years, she collected a total of $231,203.10 in fraudulent Social Security funds.

Federal Investigation and Sentencing

The SSA eventually uncovered the fraud, leading to federal charges against Fields. Following her guilty plea, a federal judge sentenced her to three years of probation and ordered full restitution of the stolen benefits. Despite the significant financial fraud, she avoided prison time.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers condemned the fraud, emphasizing the importance of protecting the integrity of Social Security funds.

“Social Security benefits are intended to support Americans who have worked hard and paid into the system, not to unlawfully enrich those who commit fraud,” Myers stated. “This case demonstrates our commitment to holding accountable those who steal from these essential programs.”

The Importance of Reporting Deaths to the SSA

This case underscores the importance of accurately reporting the death of a Social Security beneficiary. When someone receiving benefits passes away, their relatives or a representative must promptly inform the SSA to prevent improper payments.

Failure to report a death can result in severe legal consequences, including criminal charges, financial restitution, and imprisonment. The SSA has a dedicated process for reporting a death, which can be done by funeral homes or next of kin. More information on how to properly report a death can be found on the SSA’s official website: ssa.gov/report-death.

Consequences of Social Security Fraud

Social Security fraud is a serious federal offense with strict penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and restitution. The SSA and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) actively investigate fraudulent claims to protect taxpayer dollars and maintain the program’s integrity.

Those who suspect Social Security fraud can report it anonymously through the SSA’s OIG website: oig.ssa.gov.

A Nationwide Issue

Cases like Fields’ are not isolated. Across the U.S., Social Security fraud is a persistent problem, with individuals attempting to exploit the system by claiming benefits for deceased individuals, fabricating disabilities, or misrepresenting financial information.

In another recent case, a Houston man was accused of stealing $1.3 million in Social Security benefits by recruiting women to falsely claim dead men as the fathers of their children. Such fraudulent schemes not only drain government resources but also harm those who genuinely rely on Social Security benefits.

Moving Forward

The Fields case serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of Social Security fraud. While she avoided prison, she faces financial restitution and legal supervision.

The SSA continues to emphasize the importance of transparency and honesty in receiving benefits. For individuals managing benefits for others, the agency provides resources and guidelines to ensure proper reporting and compliance: ssa.gov/payee.

By holding individuals accountable and increasing public awareness, the SSA and federal prosecutors aim to safeguard Social Security funds for those who truly need them.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.