x
Breaking News
More () »

Woman charged in pandemic fraud scheme

The former Social Security employee is facing charges after defrauding the federal government of nearly $300,000.

LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — A former Social Security employee is facing charges after allegedly defrauding the federal government of $288,000.

According to the U.S. Attorney's office, Takiyah Austin, 46, of Wilkes-Barre, filed pandemic unemployment claims for people who were not eligible in exchange for cash.

The former claims specialist is also accused of stealing identities from the Social Security database.

Austin is due in federal court later this year on the theft of government funds, wire fraud, and related offenses.

Before You Leave, Check This Out