TN 7 (03-90)

A. Background

The remoteness of the Elazig-Hozat area and the high degree of illiteracy have made claimants and beneficiaries in this area easy prey to the influence of claims helpers.

In the past, these helpers were involved in fraudulent claims and the submission of fraudulent evidence. One individual arranged the marriages of retired beneficiaries to young women (including his own relatives), fraudulent adoptions (including adoption of his own children) and fraudulent child claims.

Although there is no indication that these helpers are still actively involved in the filing of claims, most of the beneficiaries currently entitled to benefits in this area have, at one time or another, been involved with them. In addition, some of the young wives who had been involved in fraudulent child claims are nearing retirement age.

B. Procedure

Do not assume that there is no helper activity in the Elazig-Hozat area.

Examine evidence carefully for any indication of the assistance or influence of a third party. Be particularly careful where the file indicates the involvement of Dursun Ozun, Salim Yousaf, or Mustafa Kaya (Ozun) in a prior claim.

Request the assistance of the Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) to investigate if there is any indication of the assistance or influence of a third party.