Letitia James claims a Long Island man committed fraud linked to $100K in disability benefits.

Trump Administration Targets Unemployment Benefits Fraud

The Trump administration has initiated a nationwide effort to tackle unemployment benefit fraud, beginning in Massachusetts. Officials reported 15 arrests, underscoring the issue of illegal immigrants suspected of using U.S. citizens’ identities to access SNAP, disability, and Social Security benefits. This initiative aims to robustly pursue those who exploit crucial programs.

In another case, New York State Attorney General Letitia James stated that a man from Long Island has been charged for receiving disability benefits while also sharing his fitness journey on social media and participating in weightlifting competitions.

Raymond Phillips, aged 40, was detained after an investigation showed he allegedly received over $100,000 in Social Security disability benefits from 2021 to 2024, as indicated by the attorney general’s office.

The office released three photos from 2023, reportedly showing Phillips bench pressing and squatting.

According to the attorney general’s findings, Phillips claimed that a weightlifting injury rendered him unable to work, allowing him to collect the benefits.

James criticized Phillips, stating he “shamelessly collected benefits for disabled New Yorkers while boasting about his weightlifting accomplishments on social media.” She added that her office will not accept fraudsters taking advantage of vital programs meant for those in need.

Phillips reportedly filed a claim with the New York State Temporary Disability Assistance Agency in August 2018, stating he injured his dominant arm while weightlifting.

The filing alleged Phillips underwent surgery and struggled with basic tasks due to extreme pain. His claim was approved in May 2021, and he received payments for three years.

During this period, Phillips is said to have shared numerous videos and images of himself lifting weights on Facebook and Instagram, although his accounts have since been removed.

Special Agent Connor Washington from the SSA Office of Inspector General alleged that Phillips continued working as a personal trainer while receiving disability benefits.

Phillips faces a three-count indictment, which includes two counts of second-degree grand larceny and two counts of filing false instruments. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison.