Ohio resident Christina Vaskovsky found herself facing the consequences of a fraudulent scheme that leveraged the identity of a deceased child. The 56-year-old Cincinnati local was arrested in November after investigations revealed that she had been receiving an exorbitant sum in benefits by assuming a stolen Social Security identity.
Unraveling the Heist
Vaskovsky's criminal record is not a new chapter. Her illicit activities date back to 2008, when she was arrested for embezzling $14,500 from her employer. She evaded her court date post-arrest, which led to a warrant being issued. However, the swindle she began two years later would culminate in her most recent apprehension.
Using the private information of a child who, though born the same year as Vaskovsky, had died in 1977, she was able to execute an elaborate deception. This child's identity unlocked the door to benefits that Vaskovsky had no rightful claim to.
Financial Fallout
Her tenure of terror on the system resulted in the accumulation of $19,570 in food stamps, a clearance of $128,000 by filing for bankruptcy, and another $29,000 in Social Security benefits. Unemployment benefits did not escape her grasp, as she collected $11,600. Further exploiting the benefits spectrum, she obtained $4,833 in Supplemental Security Income disability benefits.
The greatest impact was on Medicare benefits. The delusive scheme led to a staggering government loss of $116,000.
What Penalty Awaits a Social Security Identity Thief?
For her part in engineering such an expansive scam, Vaskovsky was mandated to accept a plea bargain. The punishment was a suggested prison sentence ranging from 12 to 30 months. Additionally, the plea mandated her to return $191,000. This restitution was to be divided among several governmental bodies, including the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Social Security Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
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A National Epidemic?
The phenomenon of Social Security identity theft is a growing issue in the U.S. With an estimated 50,000 victims yearly who suffer losses totaling around $200 million, the problem persists across the nation.
One case in Alabama bears a reflection of Vaskovsky's conduct. Deleria Huff similarly misappropriated her dead mother's Social Security benefits over thirty years, amounting to $337,642. It was only after a Medicare audit for non-utilization that suspicions arose. Initially, Huff misled an SSA representative in 2020 by alleging her mother was alive but mute due to dementia. It was not long after that she confessed to her mother's demise.
Dating applications have added another layer to this problem. A survey reported by IDShield this year indicated that 70% of dating app users reported being scammed, with many inadvertently sharing their Social Security numbers with wrongdoers.
As cases escalate, the Social Security Administration has been working to combat this issue, although it remains a critical concern.
How Can You Secure Your Social Security Number?
According to financial literacy expert Alex Beene, safeguarding one's Social Security number should be of utmost priority. The guidance is clear - never reveal your number via phone, text, or online unless you're dealing with a confirmed and legitimate federal, state, or banking entity. Even in those cases, verification through direct contact with the entity involved is crucial to ensure the security of the transaction and the protection of personal information.
Ongoing Vigilance Is Crucial
The case of Christina Vaskovsky highlights the deeper issues of identity theft and Social Security fraud. With techniques evolving and perpetrators becoming more sophisticated, constant vigilance becomes crucial. Individuals are advised to protect their personal data with the utmost care. These fraudulent actions serve as a clarion call to all to be more careful with personal information and for agencies to enhance their security measures to safeguard against such exploits. As the government closes in on fraudulent actions and the legal repercussions grow severe, it becomes clear that crimes of this nature carry heavy penalties and social ostracism.
