DA: Freeport woman stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in ID theft scam
Seerojnie Ram, 47, of Freeport, was arraigned Thursday, May 14, 2015, on grand larceny and other charges. Ram allegedly pilfered the names and social security numbers of about 250 people to receive thousands of dollars in tax refunds, authorities said. Credit: NCDA
A Freeport woman scammed hundreds of thousands of dollars by stealing the identities of some 250 people in 31 states, prosecutors said Friday.
Seerojnie Ram, 47, was being held on bail of $250,000 bond or $125,000 cash after her arraignment Thursday on grand larceny and related charges in First District Court in Hempstead, court records show.
Ram culled some information from lists of dead people, and used that information to file fraudulent income tax forms and get refunds, prosecutors said.
She also used the information to obtain credit cards and to open checking accounts with fictitious identities, prosecutors said.
"The evidence of identity theft and financial fraud uncovered in this case is staggering and serves as a wake-up call for anyone who is not already aware of this widespread and growing sector of illegal activity," Acting Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas said at a news conference Friday.
"Records show that Ram spent money obtained through this scheme for trips to Atlantic City, for cruises and to furnish her home," the prosecutor said.
Ram faces up to 7 years in prison if convicted, Singas said.
Ram was represented at her arraignment by the Legal Aid Society, which does not comment on its cases.
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Newsday Live Music Series: Long Island Idols Newsday Live presents a special evening of music and conversation with local singers who grabbed the national spotlight on shows like "The Voice," "America's Got Talent,""The X-Factor" and "American Idol." Newsday Senior Lifestyle Host Elisa DiStefano leads a discussion and audience Q&A as the singers discuss their TV experiences, careers and perform original songs.
