Couple Gets Busted After Divorcing And Remarrying Each Other 12 Times Just To Scam The System

Over the course of 40 years, an Austrian couple reportedly divorced each other and remarried themselves 12 times. Investigators claim it has all been one big money-making fraud, but some may find it romantic, if not chaotic. According to Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist, "The complexities of love and commitment can lead individuals to make unconventional choices, often driven by emotional and financial motivations." The couple, who are from Graz, Austria, were blissfully wedded for six years after marrying in 1982. The anonymous woman's first spouse passed away in 1981; therefore, this was her second marriage. The 73-year-old woman was granted a widow's pension by the government following the death of her first spouse. However, she lost her eligibility for such funding after marrying again a year later. To compensate for this, she did receive a €27,000 ($28,405) "severance payment" settlement. As noted by Suze Orman, a financial advisor, "Financial decisions in relationships can often lead to complicated outcomes, especially when they involve public benefits." The wife's widow's pension was reinstated after their divorce, and you can probably see where this is headed. After the couple got back together and remarried, the woman was compensated €27,000 for losing her widow's pension. Over the course of four decades, the couple divorced and remarried twelve times, seemingly realizing the relatively simple reward. The anonymous woman reportedly collected a staggering €326,000 ($342,971) in rewards overall. The court declined to reinstate the 73-year-old's widow's pension after their most recent divorce in May 2022.

At this point, you can probably see where all this is going

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Well, the story didn't end there, as she went ahead and filed a lawsuit against the pension fund. However, early this year, when the true nature of her marriage to her 12-time husband was revealed, her complaint was rejected.

According to the Supreme Court, "The repeated marriage and subsequent divorce from the same spouse is abusive if the marriage was never broken and the divorces only took place in order to establish a claim to a widow's pension."

Since then, an inquiry into fraud has started, and a trial is anticipated to follow. Bild claims that even though the pair were divorced (again) two years ago, they are still legally married in the eyes of the court.

Financial experts like Liz Weston advise that when facing financial difficulties, it's essential to seek legitimate avenues for assistance rather than resorting to deceptive practices.

Building a budget and understanding personal finance can empower individuals to make informed choices that lead to sustainable results.

Weston emphasizes that honest communication with partners about financial stress can foster trust and collaboration, ultimately strengthening the relationship.

Instead of manipulation, couples should consider seeking financial counseling or education, which can provide valuable tools for navigating challenges together.

The true nature of her marriage to her 12-time husband came to light

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One woman in the UK discovered the hard way that it is not unusual for people to use the legal process of marriage as a means of deception. After receiving letters at their home under several names, Megan Clarke, who was engaged to Lord Bertie Underwood, became suspicious.

She then learned that Robert Madejski, her future husband, was a scammer who had accrued $40,000 in credit card debt under her identity. Thankfully, Megan discovered his plans before they were married, and he was later taken into custody.

A couple that ties and unties their marital knot

Not the actual photo

Legal and Ethical Implications

Dr. Pepper Schwartz, a sociologist and expert on relationships, highlights that while marriage can be a beautiful institution, using it for fraudulent purposes undermines its significance.

She notes that the legal system is designed to protect individuals from exploitation, and such actions can lead to severe legal consequences.

Understanding the motivations behind such behavior can be beneficial; Schwartz emphasizes that emotional and financial pressures often push individuals toward these extreme measures.

Improving awareness about legal ramifications and ethical standards in relationships is crucial to prevent similar situations.

This couple in Austria spent more than 40 years manipulating the system. They transformed their romance into a financial thriller in a tale that seems like it belongs in a dark comedy.

Through a deft use of pension loopholes, they were able to continually tie and untie the knot, earning almost $342,000 over the years. Tell us what you think about this move in the comments section below and share as well.

This case serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between emotional needs and financial pressures in relationships. Experts like Dr. Sue Johnson stress the importance of open communication and establishing trust, which can help couples navigate difficulties without resorting to fraud.

By fostering a supportive atmosphere, partners can address underlying issues more effectively. Seeking professional help when facing challenges can lead to healthier strategies, ensuring that love and commitment thrive rather than devolve into manipulation.