Grimy Times
Social Security Scam Uncovered in Colorado
A brazen scam that targeted the Social Security Administration has been brought to justice. Justin Skiff, a 36-year-old claims specialist from Castle Pines, Colorado, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, social security fraud, and money laundering charges.
According to the plea agreement, Skiff used his position to establish Social Security Numbers for ten fictitious children and created records of entitlements for surviving child benefits. The benefits were deposited into a bank account accessible to Skiff through debit cards mailed to a P.O. Box he controlled.
From October 2019 through September 2021, Skiff withdrew a staggering $324,201.44 from the account, using the money to make purchases and enrich himself. His scheme was uncovered by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General.
Skiff will face the music on June 6, 2023, when he is set to be sentenced by Judge Daniel D. Domenico. Wire fraud carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Social Security fraud carries a penalty of up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Money laundering carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction.
Skiff must also forfeit any property derived from the scam’s proceeds. The case is being prosecuted by special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonia J. Dave.
Mandatory Facts:
Defendant: Justin Skiff
Criminal Charges: Wire fraud, social security fraud, and money laundering
City and State: Denver, Colorado
Date: The scheme ran from August 2019 to September 2021, and Skiff pleaded guilty on March 8, 2023
Sentence: Skiff will be sentenced on June 6, 2023
Dollar Amount: $324,201.44
Related Federal Cases
- William Sears, Securities Fraud, Colorado 2016 · Texas
- Federal Regulators, Lifel, Securities Fraud, California 2020 · Connecticut
- MoneyGram International Inc., Wire Fraud, California 2020 · Connecticut
- Lowell Gene “Bob” Hancher, Wire and Securities Fraud, IN, 2013 · Indiana
- James Spaulding, Mail Fraud and Filing False Tax Returns, Longmont … · Colorado
Key Facts
- State: Colorado
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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