Is pretending to be married to receive military benefits fraud?

Question

If someone divorced someone in the military, then lied that they got re-married just so she could receive benefits like MAC flights for her and her kids (she joined him in Korea), get her furniture shipped overseas (only to have Uncle Sam pay to ship it back a few months later) and other benefits, is that fraud? If so, who do you report it to, and is there a statute of limitations?

Answer 1

If fraud can be proved, it is.  The burden of proof however is on the state or the military in this case.  You can report it to the base commandant

Answer 2

By the wording of your question, I can see you're trying to get someone in trouble.

Yes, it is fraud.  You can report it to her command but you need proof to back it up (saying "I heard they're not really married" isn't proof).  If she is caught not only will she have to repay all benefits she received (BAH, moving expenses, etc) but she could face a court-martial for fraud.

Answer 3

If you're asking if there's a statute of limitations I take it this was some time ago. There is no statute of limitations on such matters and both she and her ex if he was complicit will/should be held accountable before a military court without pity as this appears to be willful and carefully premeditated fraud.

Answer 4

Absolutely.  if you are pretending to be married, and you are not it is 100% fraud.  However if you get married on paper to someone, whom you do not intend to be your everlasting spouse, even though it's unethical it is not fraud because it was conducted legally.  

Answer 5

Sounds like you have something against your ex-wife. I'd forget it and move on, pal.

Answer 6

Absolutely Fraud

Answer 7

yes it's fraud. IDK call like the police (non-emergency) if they cannot help you with that, they can probably reffer you to somebody else.

Answer 8

Yes fraud...and unless you have 100% proof that the 'marriage' is not legal then I'd be careful about calling someone out on it.  If you do have proof that it's illegal then I'd contact the financial services and advise them.  You might/could have a base hot line to call to report issues and be anonymous.  

Answer 9

Sounds like fraud to me.  It should be reported to the investigative branch of whatever branch of the military he's in.  

Answer 10

Yes, that is fraud. It is a waste of money for every single tax payer.

To report it, check out this site:

http://www.gao.gov/fraudnet/fraudnet.htm

Answer 11

Just how would you lie about it ?

You have to bring your marriage license in, to get benefits.

But yes, marriage's of connivance, are considered fraud and they do court martial people for doing it every year.

Answer 12

it is fraud.i would assume they would have to show proof of a re-marriage.

Answer 13

yes.  however they can't just lie and say they got remarried..they'd have to provide a marriage certificate.