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Oldest Living Veteran Has Life Ruined After Thug Steals Identity & Completely Drains Savings

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At 112 years old, Richard Overton should be enjoying life surrounded by his friends and family. Not only is he the oldest man in America, but he’s also the oldest living U.S. military veteran.

Before moving home to Austin, Texas, in 1945, Overton served in Hawaii and the South Pacific during World War II from 1942 to 1945.

But as he’s grown older, Overton’s medical needs have caused a significant financial burden for his family. When the veteran moved into his cousin’s home, his 24/7 care cost nearly $15,000 a month. Since December 2016, the family has been covering the costs of his in-home care with funds raised on a GoFundMe page.

Within the last few months, however, a heartless thief decided to take advantage of the elderly man, ultimately stealing his identity and life savings. Thankfully, the GoFundMe page was not affected.

According to Volma Overton, Richard’s third cousin, the thief was able to access his checking account using Overton’s stolen Social Security number to set up a fake bank account.

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“Someone set up a bogus account, got his Social Security number and accessed his personal checking account,” Volma explained to Dallas Morning News.

Volma went on to say that the stolen money was repeatedly used to buy savings bonds. The family discovered the theft Friday and a friend immediately filed a police report.

While the amount of money stolen hasn’t been disclosed, Volma said it was a large sum.

“This is going to be a setback for Richard,” she said. “It was a significant amount of money.”

The Austin Police Department is working on the case and with the bank, but there is no guarantee Overton will get his money back.

“He’s going to be upset,” friend Martin Wilford said to KEYE. “We are trying to keep him in his home through all types of fundraisers, and someone could just take from him? You’re going to do that to him? Shame on you.”

In the meantime, it seems that those who have heard the veteran’s plight have been moved to donate to Overton’s cause on his GoFundMe page.

“What the criminal didn’t know is that Richard is not someone without support and concern. From all of the phone calls that I have received from those with influence in these matters, it is my belief that this crime will be taken care of soon and we will know who this criminal is shortly,” Volma wrote on Richard’s GoFundMe page yesterday.

Volma finished the post with an update on Overton as he comes to terms with the situation.

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“Richard is holding up well just knowing how much he is loved and that the best are working on this for him. Thanks to all for your continued love and support for Richard. God bless you all and much, much love to all,” she wrote.

If nothing else, Overton’s family hopes his story can warn others that the same thing could happen to anyone. Hopefully, the cruel thief will be caught and Overton can go on to enjoy his long life surrounded by those who love him.

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Liz was a senior story editor for The Western Journal.
Liz was a senior story editor for The Western Journal.
Location
Arizona
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Topics of Expertise
Health, Entertainment, Faith




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