Man Used Reprehensible Technique To Scam Taxpayers
A man used the identity of a deceased child to steal nearly $300,000 in taxpayer money.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District Of Idaho, that man stole the identity of Carlos Ramon Obregon, who was 14 when he was murdered in Los Angeles in 1977.
The name of the man who stole Obregon’s identity and then stole from taxpayers is unknown. He went on trial this month in Idaho.
“Twenty-three years after Obregon’s death, in 2000, the Defendant applied for a replacement Social Security card using Obregon’s Social Security number, Obregon’s date of birth, and Obregon’s parents’ names,” said Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesman Jason Densley.
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“At trial, Obregon’s mother testified that Obregon died in 1977. She testified that the Defendant is not her son, and that she does not know the Defendant.”
The DOJ said the following:
• For more than 20 years, the unknown man used Obregon’s name and identity to fraudulently obtain numerous government benefits totaling approximately $283,000.
• Between 2004 and 2025, the defendant fraudulently applied for, and received, $177,000 in Supplemental Security Income benefits under Obregon’s identity.
• Between 2005 and 2025, the unknown man unlawfully obtained approximately $91,000 in Medicaid benefits using Obregon’s identity.
• From 2009 to 2025, the defendant unlawfully obtained approximately $12,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits using Obregon’s identity.
• In 2020 and 2021, the Defendant unlawfully received $3,200 in Economic Impact Payments, paid for by the taxpayers, that were paid to otherwise eligible individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic to stimulate the economy.
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• In 2012, the defendant applied for and obtained a United States passport under Obregon’s identity, and travelled multiple times on the passport to Mexico.
ª The defendant submitted Obregon’s birth certificate to obtain the U.S. passport. In 2024, the unknown man sought to renew the passport, which was not issued.
• The defendant also obtained an Idaho state identification card using Obregon’s identity in 2002, 2010, and 2014.
• In 2022, the Defendant obtained a Star Card and submitted Obregon’s birth certificate to the Idaho Transportation Department as proof of his identity and lawful presence in the United States.
A federal jury found the man guilty of wire fraud, theft of taxpayer funds, aggravated identity theft, and related charges.
Warhammer is a journalist with more than 20 years or professional experience. Follow Warhammer on Twitter @Real_Warhammer.
