The New York Times
...which still proudly displays Walter Duranty's Pulitzer prize...
is reporting that a Nigerian fraud ring is using the social security numbers and other stolen identity data to file false claims with states for workers that may not have even lost their jobs. The scheme has resulted in millions of dollars being siphoned away.
The illegal activity seems to be centered in Washington state but at least six other states may have been targeted as well.
The Nigerian fraudsters apparently use middlemen in the U.S. as “mules” to collect the cash.
Real social security numbers are used and, apparently, citizens of specific states were targeted. Authorities may have become suspicious of so many out-of-state claims piling up so the fraudsters targeted in-state businesses and employees.
| The New York Post adds: |