$2 billion in benefits returned from funds stolen during the pandemic.
More than $2 billion in stolen unemployment benefits over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic have been recovered by the United States Secret Service. The agency reported it had seized over $640 million in fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits and helped return over $2 billion to state unemployment programs.
Assistant Special Agent Roy Dotson said that the $2 billion was a “conservative estimate” of the amount stolen and that many investigations are ongoing. “This is typical of the cyber fraud we deal with annually. It’s just compounded based on additional funds [from] Covid relief,” Agent Dotson said.
The agency has opened 690 cases of unemployment insurance fraud and 720 Payment Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan investigations since the pandemic began. Multiple instances of PPP fraud have been investigated by the Justice Department regarding individuals obtaining large loans through fraudulent means.
In addition to protecting the president and vice president, the Secret Service investigates financial fraud and counterfeiting.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- With gratitude for the success of the Secret Service in recovering stolen funds.
- That the Department of Justice would be effective in their investigations into fraud.
- For those who still legitimately need assistance in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Sources: Daily Caller, CNN
