A Long Island man is facing charges for allegedly collecting more than $100,000 in disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) over three years while simultaneously participating in weightlifting competitions and posting fitness-related content on social media.
Raymond Phillips, 40, was arrested this month and charged with grand larceny and offering a false instrument for filing. According to the New York Attorney General's Office, Phillips claimed a weightlifting injury in 2018 prevented him from working and subsequently received federal approval for disability payments in May 2021. Prosecutors stated that during the period he received benefits, Phillips posted videos and photos on social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, that appeared to show him engaging in weightlifting activities, such as bench pressing and squatting in 2023. His social media accounts have since been deleted.
In his disability claim, Phillips stated that he had undergone surgery and could not perform basic tasks without assistance, citing extreme pain. However, authorities allege he continued to work as a personal trainer while receiving benefits. If convicted of grand larceny, Phillips could face a maximum of 15 years in prison.
"Raymond Phillips shamelessly collected benefits meant for disabled New Yorkers while boasting his weightlifting achievements on social media," New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement. "My office has no tolerance for fraudsters who cheat the system and steal from programs that are a lifeline for New Yorkers in need."
Conor Washington, special agent in charge at the SSA Office of Inspector General, also commented on the case, accusing Phillips of continuing to work while collecting disability payments.