Massachusettes Man Arrested for Identify Theft and Defrauding SSA

 BOSTON (AP) - Massachusetts authorities say they have caught up with a Cambridge man they allege used another person's identity to scam the state out of $65,000 in welfare benefits.

Frederick Cross was ordered held on $25,000 bail after being charged with identity theft, making false statements under penalty of perjury and falsely obtaining medical assistance. He faces up to 20 years in prison on some charges.

Prosecutors allege the 68-year-old Cross used the name of a man with a similar name and forged a birth certificate to apply for benefits.

Since 2005, he has received at least $65,000 in state benefits.

Authorities said Cross also applied for Social Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance benefits three times since 1994 using the victim's identity. Those applications were denied.

Cross' lawyer refused comment.

Source:  http://www.myfoxboston.com/story/19392772/cambridge-man-accused-of-identity-fraud?clienttype=printable#ixzz24rBcjP00

Additional Articles:   http://www.wcvb.com/news/local/metro/Cambridge-man-accused-of-identity-fraud/-/11971628/16292140/-/10aiuu9z/-/index.html

 http://www.myfoxboston.com/story/19392772/cambridge-man-accused-of-identity-fraud

http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/local/12008384895298/cambridge-man-accused-of-identity-fraud/