FRAUDSTER EXPOSED
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A Crownpoint woman has been ordered to pay a staggering $551,436.00 in restitution to the Social Security Administration (SSA) after admitting to a 25-year-long scam.
Marylynn Harry, 63, pleaded guilty on February 8, 2023, to Social Security fraud, a felony offense under federal law. She was sentenced to 5 years unsupervised probation.
According to court records, Harry’s father, Alfred Becenti, passed away in October 1996. Following his death, Harry made herself the co-owner of the bank account where his Retirement Insurance Benefits payments were deposited and obtained numerous debit cards linked to the account. She concealed and did not notify SSA or the bank of her father’s death and continually made use of the deposited funds.
Over the course of 25 years, Harry fraudulently collected $551,436.00. When agents from SSA Office of the Inspector General confronted her, Harry quickly admitted wrongdoing.
The SSA Office of the Inspector General investigated this case, and Assistant United States Attorney Patrick E. Cordova prosecuted the case.
Harry’s actions have left many wondering how she was able to get away with the scam for so long. The SSA Office of the Inspector General has stated that they will continue to investigate and prosecute those who commit Social Security fraud.
In a statement, Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, said, ‘This sentence should serve as a warning to those who would attempt to defraud the Social Security Administration.’
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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