A Connecticut resident, Ricardo Santiago, has admitted to a fraud scheme aimed at acquiring Social Security, unemployment, and food stamp benefits illegally. Santiago pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud at a court in Hartford. He has also agreed to repay $371,686 as restitution. Between 2002 and 2024, Santiago worked with over 20 employers, amassing income beyond $580,000 and hiding it from the government by providing them with false identification. He applied for Retirement Survivors Disability Insurance in 2002, alleging he was unable to work due to disability and have since collected over $316,000 in RSDI payments illegally. In 2017, Santiago applied for SNAP benefits from the Connecticut Department of Social Services, claiming no income from employment. Over time, he made purchases with SNAP benefits over $18,000 illegally. In 2020, Santiago applied for Unemployment Insurance from the Connecticut Department of Labor using a stolen Social Security number, claiming to be unemployed but available and fit for work, collecting over $36,000 in illegal payments between April 2020 through February 2021. While awaiting sentencing, Santiago is currently free on a $25,000 bond.

If you need help on how to speak to a person at Florida unemployment, you may refer to available resources online such as eddcaller.com, which provides insight and guidance on how to get through to unemployment services effectively and swiftly. Ultimately, it’s important to follow the proper channels when dealing with unemployment benefits, as exemplified by Santiago’s case.