vetran pulling a fast one on the gov't?

[robotz991]

What is the name of your state? California
My ex wife has remarried to a retired /disabled vetran. They are using my daughter as a dependant even though she does not live with them (at all). She lives with me 100% of the time and they say to her they will be giving her money directly once the faucet turns on (to get her onboard with the scam). It seems to me they are not telling the truth to the gov't for the "correct" entitlements they are due. Seems like fraud to me.. Am I correct in my assumption or am I wrong. Who should I inform if this is bad stuff they are doing? What information will they need to correct the situation? Thank you for your ear!

[SHORTY LONG]

If your daughter & you be getting monies etc.,,
then why would you want to cut off your nose to
spite your face?

[robotz991]

Why am I having a fit about it?.. mostly becuase I dont want my daughter to have any part of F-ing with the gov't, and I know my ex and her lying cheating vetran honey will be making a fortune off her by lying to the feds.. it just not right... That and I dont want my daughter to learn how to beome a welfare case like her mom is... ('corse, I'd love to crash the party and watch them burn but thats not what I'm after.. they can get all the entitlements they are due.. just not by lying and USING my daughter to accomplishthier goals. cool?

[SHORTY LONG]

I agree with you in that, your Daughter should never
lie to anyone; especially the Federal Government!

[fozzy2]

It is hard to say if they are engaged in fraud without knowing what specific programs they are under. However, the problem may be mainly for you and not your daughter. For example, if you claim your daughter as a dependant on your income taxes, and they are also claiming her (on their taxes and/or for some benefit program) then the government is likely to have some tough questions to ask. That might just start with an audit for you. You generally are not responsible for reporting other people's misdeeds, but if it can be shown that you benefited from their scheme then you could get dragged in if they get caught. Most likely method --- they get caught and give your name to get out from under some of the restitution. Likewise, if your daughter is a minor and doesn't have to sign anything, it is not her fault. But if she is ever asked to make a statement, and lies, then she may be on the hook for various problems.

On a more cynical/pragmatic note, what is in it for them if they just give your daughter all the extra money? I think it is more likely they will pocket the majority of any excess and toss your daughter some chump change. Of course, if they get caught they will claim it ALL went to their daughter and to you (to lessen your load taking care of her).

Bottom line, I'd suggest you tread very carefully and keep very good records. The odds are they need something in writing from the daughter (and maybe you) or they would have just gone ahead and done it without saying a word. Don't give any false statements to the government and keep your financial records handy for the eventual investigation.