Identity Thief Raked in $114K Using Dead Man’s Social Security

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A notorious identity thief swiped more than $114,000 in Social Security benefits using a dead man’s identity, authorities say.

Richard Warren Ralston, 69, of Mesa, Arizona, applied for retirement benefits in Auburn, California, using the identity of a man who died in 1965. The brazen scheme went undetected for over a decade, raking in $114,285 in fake benefits.

The SSA Office of Inspector General investigated the case, which was brought to light after Ralston’s true identity was uncovered.

Former Placer County resident Ralston faces 12 charges, including wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and Social Security fraud. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.