A Minnesota woman has been charged with embezzling $360,000 in Social Security benefits over two decades.

She allegedly impersonated her deceased mother to continue receiving the benefits.

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The charges include theft of government funds and Social Security fraud.

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If convicted, she faces up to 15 years in prison.

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The Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General led the investigation.

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The case highlights the importance of promptly reporting the deaths of beneficiaries.

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The Social Security Administration emphasizes that such fraud cases are rare but taken seriously.

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Misuse of Social Security benefits is a federal offense with severe consequences.

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