I've heard of parents who send their kids to work in sweatshops. And then, there are those who sell their children in order to earn a few dollars.

We hear that kind of news happening in impoverished countries.

In good 'ole US of A, a somewhat lighter version happened: a parent used her kids to earn $$$.

Rosie Costello of Tacoma, Washington coached her children to fake retardation so she could claim $$$ benefits from Social Security. Rosie admitted to having collected more than $280,000 in benefits.

She began defrauding the government back in the 80s hen she coached her then-4-year old daughter to feign retardation. Later, she used the same "technique" with her son, Pete Costello. Apparently, she coached them to pick at their faces, slouch and be uncommunicative during meetings with Social Security officials.

She did get away with it for a long time. Up until, Social Security workers uncovered a video of Pete Costello ably contesting a traffic ticket in a Vancouver courtroom.

I guess, Rosie Costello missed her calling. She could have worked in movies as a drama coach.

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