The family of Richard Overton, the oldest man in the United States at 112 years old, has reported that his bank account was drained by an identity thief. Overton's Social Security and banking details were used to make seven withdrawals over several months, purchasing savings bonds, according to his cousin Volma Overton.
Volma Overton declined to specify the amount stolen but described it as a 'significant amount of money.' The theft was discovered when a bank employee showed him the statement, prompting him to question the debits. The money was taken from Overton's personal checking account, not the GoFundMe campaign that raised over $320,000 for his care.
The thief allegedly used Overton's Social Security number to set up a fake bank account and access his real one. A police report was filed on Friday, and the Austin Police Department is investigating. Volma Overton said he and a friend are working to resolve the issue, noting that the theft highlights how vulnerable everyone is to identity fraud.
Richard Overton, a World War II veteran who was at Pearl Harbor after the Japanese attack, met President Obama in 2013 and is known for his daily cigars and occasional whisky. The fundraiser for his care remains unaffected.
