I think they both knew what they were doing and tried to pull one over on the gov. She is not an "innocent" and for someone who claims to have an education, she can't play the ignorant card. I don't care how "common" some think it is, it's illegal. We play by the rules and still have a nice lifestyle and didn't have to lie to get any loans we have. Sorry, but they both have shown their true colors, which are trying to play the system. It's all a house of cards and I feel no sympathy for any of them.
I also think they tried to live a certain lifestyle to impress others.
I have never thought Teresa and Joe were anything but wannabees. Caroline and Al have some money, but the rest, not so much. Jac and Chris have some too, but Teresa is full of it as is Melissa. Kathy and Rich live a more normal lifestyle. Their home isn't as big and ostentatious. It's much more typical for where they live.
My DH and I made about what Joe and Teresa made between 2004 and 2008 or so and while we have a comfortable life and very nice home, we do not have the lifestyle that they do. Our home is worth about 1/2 of what theirs is and is about 1/2 the size and we drive a Honda Pilot and a Toyota Solara convertible, and while they are nice cars, they aren't Mercedes or Range Rovers.
I feel sorry for their kids, but mainly because of the example they have been shown. I don't get all the Teresa supporters. Are we watching the same staged show?