blockbuster . this is "nightline." >> tonight this man collected disability, claiming he was totally blinded by a workplace accident. so how can he be driving a pickup truck? or this man, also claiming to be blind. driving a boat. how much are these disability cheats really costing you? we go in search of answers. >> hi there, sir? plus, it's "shark tank" meets infomercial. we'll take you inside the pitch-a-thon, where today's basement inventors hope to turn their wild ideas into the next big thing. >> this would be huge. this would be our thing. and rough stuff. it's finals season. how stressed out college students are coping with pressure, with a little puppy love. but first, the "nightline"

five. number one in jus

♪ ♪ good evening, thanks for joining us. disability fraud can be robbing taxpayers blind. with some cheaters claiming to be totally blind and collecting disability after a workplace accident. so when happens when they're

caught on video driving, or even boating? tonight government investigators give us an inside look at how they're caught in the act. here's abc's chief business and technology correspondent, rebecca jarvis. >> reporter: john kettle beeiano appears to need a lot of help. here he is being led to list girlfriend to his disability hearing. >> he claims he could not drive. he couldn't cook for himself. he said he lost his sight in a workplace accident two years earlier. i sit in the dark and listen to tv. he said in his application for benefits, i can't move around the house much, because i bump into things and hurt myself. but before you start feeling sorry for him, take a look at this video, shot just days earlier. yep, that's the same john. >> it looks like he's reading. >> you can see him outside a store. he appears to be reading something here. >> reporter: a miracle for

someone who can't see. disability fraud is a big problem across the united states. last year the social security administration received 90,000 allegations to investigate. >> we receive allegations from a number of sources. >> reporter: michael robinson is the assistant inspector general for the social security administration, which last year, won 1,200 convictions and a return of $225 million to you and me, the taxpayers. >> when it comes to making an assessment of how many are out there, we know how much has been brought to our attention. and we really rely on those fraud allegations that we receive. >> reporter: so when a tip came in about john, u.s. attorney richard har tunian and his counterparts at the social security administration were quick to investigate. >> the surveillance folks, they can be challenging work. >> reporter: with videos out

there like this one, there can be a lot to work with. here's john as the blind gentleman, shifalerous in an uncanny way to might want the door held open for him instead. >> this is not the guy we saw getting out of his car with his former girlfriend? >> absolutely not. >> reporter: the investigation turns out that he did lose sight in one eye in a workplace incident, but no indication of the other being affected. let's put it this way. should a blind man be doing this? >> so here you see the defendant driving a vehicle. >> reporter: and he's able to to avoid running over that woman with the shopping cart. it must be his sixth sense. he said he couldn't go out in the daylight, pay bills or read medication labels. >> all false. >> reporter: he was on track to steal $1.3 million in benefits before he got caught.

is that common? >> it's common in the world of fraud that people make claims that are just not true. more than 7,000 cases are opened each year of suspected con artists trying to dupe the system. like this guy. >> surveillance on lawrence pop. >> reporter: you're watching another federal sting operation in progress. lawrence pop has no idea he's being tailed by government agents, and they might want to exercise caution, because no matter what, you're in pop's blind spot. at least that's what the milwaukee businessman led people to believe when he was claiming he was too blind to drive. larry has been collecting social security disability payments for his blindness for years, all the while living the high life. traveling the world and spending like there's no tomorrow. >> lawrence pop is walking towards the social security office. >> reporter: he's here today to make sure those payments keep on coming.

>> you can't do almost anything that you used to do? >> no. my life's just changed dramatically. >> reporter: but the tape reveals one thing lawrence pop is very good at. lying. >> do you declare, under penalty of perjury that the information you've given me is true and correct to the best of your knowledge? >> yes. >> reporter: like kalta beeiano, pop did have legitimate vision impairment in 2004 when he signed up for disability benefits. but he promised to notify the department if his medical condition improved, or if he were to get a job or generate income. well, his eyes did get better, and he generated plenty of income. but free-loading larry decided to keep those details to himself. >> there were trips to italy, florida, the kaymans. he even spent time driving a

motor boat, towing water skiers around the lake. >> larry is a person that likes money. >> reporter: oh, yes. then there's the ex-wife, kimberly pop, who confirms larry lavish spending, but said the same rules did not apply to her. >> i was on a strict budget. >> reporter: not only could he overspend, he could overact. at times, appearing to tear up at a social security office in a truly oscar-worthy performance. >> this is kind of reliving it, so i'm sorry. >> i'm sorry. yeah, i don't meend to do that to you. >> it's got to be done. >> reporter: even pop's own lawyer didn't buy his act. is he really crying? >> he definitely was not telling the truth and he knew it. >> what do you think it was about larry's case that tipped them off? >> i know what it was. you had an ex-wife who dropped the dime. >> reporter: yes, kimberly is indirectly responsible for

helping to take down the bogus man. the tipping point, when the irs came after here claiming she owed thousands in back taxes. it turned out lawrence pop had applied for benefits not just for himself, but for the entire family, and pocketed every dime. ultimately you were the one who turned him in? >> i wasn't going to take the fall for something that he was doing that was illegal. >> reporter: in all, the feds say larry fraudulently collected hundreds of thousands of dollars in government payments. in january 2014, pop's freeloading days came to an end. he was sentenced to a year in jail and had to pay back the stolen money. if he hadn't been caught red-handed, do you think he would still be bilking the system? >> absolutely. >> reporter: larry was released from prison last year, and on a frigid milwaukee morning, he gave abc news the cold shoulder. hi there, sir? rebecca jarvis, abc news.

are you sorry for stealing that money from taxpayers? why did you lie in the interview? why did you lie in the interview, sir? pop had no answers for us. and back in upstate new york, neither did john kalt beeiano, who was sentenced to almost five years of federal mail fraud just last month. his lawyer says he is appealing his case. his girlfriend, who did not drop a dime on him, is serving three years' probation. and for any cons out there considering getting some dark glasses and a cane, michael robinson has a message. >> we're going to do everything that we can to ensure that those individuals who violate the public's trust are held accountable. >> reporter: for "nightline," i'm rebecca jarvis in albany. up next, we'll take you inside the pitch-a-thon, where today's basement inventors hope to turn their wild ideas into the next big thing. and later, how puppy play

time is helping college students pass their finals. never be good. purina believes it can. inspecting every ingredient for quality? that's big. being confident that your pet's food is 100% safe? that's big, too. spending more healthy years with your best friend? that's amazing. big is exciting... daring... for everyone. pets don't just make life better - they make it bigger. purina. live big. ya know, viagra helps guys get and keep an erection. talk to your doctor about viagra. ask your doctor if your heart is healthy enough for sex. do not take viagra if you take nitrates for chest pain or adempas® for pulmonary hypertension. your blood pressure could drop to an unsafe level. to avoid long-term injury, seek immediate medical help for an erection lasting more than four hours. stop taking viagra and call your doctor right away if you experience a sudden decrease or loss in vision or hearing.

ask your doctor about viagra. create your own seafood trios you can try something new with every bite. pick 3 of 9 all-new creations for $15.99. like baked lobster alfredo chimichurri shrimp and crab cakes bursting with crab meat. just hurry in before it ends. because my teeth are yellow. these photos? why don,t you use a whitening toothpaste? i'm afraid it,s bad for my teeth. try crest 3d white. crest 3d white diamond strong toothpaste and rinse... ...gently whiten... ...and fortify weak spots. use together for 2 times stronger enamel. crest 3d white. is caringing because covering heals faster. for a bandage that moves with you and stays on all day, cover with a band-aid brand flexible fabric adhesive bandage. unless you have allergies. flonase is the first and only nasal spray approved to relieve both itchy, watery eyes and congestion. no other nasal allergy spray can say that. go ahead, embrace those beautiful moments.

flonase changes everything.

unless you have allergies. then your eyes may see it differently. flonase is the first and only nasal spray approved to relieve both itchy, watery eyes and congestion. no other nasal allergy spray can say that. when we breathe in allergens our bodies react by over producing six key inflammatory substances that cause our symptoms. most allergy pills only control one substance. flonase controls six. and six is greater than one. more complete allergy relief. flonase. 6>1 changes everything.

♪ once upon a time, they were just filler for tv stations and cable channels during off-peak hours, but now infomercials have grown into a multi billion dollar industry. tonight we're going inside the pitch-a-thon where today's basement inventors are hoping to turn their pie in the sky dreams into gold mines. here's abc's nick watt. ♪ >> it's real nice. >> reporter: ben and kirstin are prepping for the biggest day of

their young lives. >> woo. >> reporter: now, he works in construction, she's a dental assistant. but they've come up with an invention. >> i mean, it is all on the line now. >> reporter: that could revolutionize an american institution and make them rich. mix two pies in one. >> this would be huge. this would be our thing. this would be, i don't know, i'm near speechless of how big this event it and how much it would mean to us if this would be successful. >> good morning, san diego! >> reporter: welcome to the response expo. for ten bucks, you're getting ten manicures. >> that's unlimited hairstyles. >> reporter: it's a pitch-a-thon. yes, telebrands, of the as seen on tv logo fame. kristin and ben, vying for a tv slot with other inventors. >> the gotta potty. >> help me bring this invention

to your kitchen. >> reporter: many have traveled from afar. >> checking in at the honolulu airport. >> i'm heading halfway across the country. >> do we have a deal? >> reporter: these inventors are here to pitch the next big idea. >> woke up feeling -- >> we didn't hardly sleep, it was like being a kid on christmas eve. >> reporter: and the stakes can be high. how much money have you poured into this so far? >> 250,000. >> reporter: we used to call them infomercials. a-spray your butt, even your privates. >> the ginsu is so sharp, it can cut through a tin can and still slice a tomato like this. >> the euro plug will help you with no embarrassing moments. >> call now within the next 20 minutes, because you know we can't do this all day. >> reporter: these days, it's called direct response marketing and even in this internet and

tivo age, still a multi billion dollar a year business. today vying for that as seen on tv logo. >> would you like to try it out. >> i would. >> reporter: a back massager, two tennis balls in a sock. clip-on knee pads. >> it's a good looking knee pads. >> and april from hawaii's owl belt. >> it fashions towels to the bar where they belong. >> i didn't know i needed that. >> because you didn't know it existed. >> reporter: shane's gotta potty tells your dog while he's waiting by the door, not to go on the run. and summons you to come and let him out. >> i need to poo, let me out. >> reporter: and from ben and kirsten -- >> you can have a pie within a pie. >> if you want pumpkin or pecan, have both. >> reporter: what's tickling your fancy so far?

>> not much so far. >> reporter: step forward, a face that's launched a billion dollars in infomercial sales. let me tell you about one of the products you may want. you can imagine how many doors have been slammed on these inventors. they stay in the game, because every now and then, there are success stories. >> reporter: but for every success like the snugy -- or enjoy a snack while staying warm. >> reporter: there are the nesh products that never get that traction. >> you can have more time to practice your putting with the potty putter. >> i'm ben and this is kirsten. >> it's warm, approachable, got a big smile, going well so far. >> reporter: and the product? >> you're pie people. >> pie people, yes. >> this is wonder so ingenious, but it's so basic, you wonder how come nobody invented it before. that's the best stuff. >> reporter: what's the sweet

stuff? >> something that solves someone's problem. >> if you have a product that appeals to the widest audience, that you can demo, demo, demo, that is the trifecta. >> reporter: what is the ideal price window, from 10 to $40. >> music vest, is sweeping the country. >> $19.99. >> how much is this? >> this right now, we're looking at about $20. >> ding ding ding ding, winner chicken dinner. >> but i would chicken on the outside, apple in the middle, entree and dessert. that's brilliant! >> reporter: thank you. >> could you do that? >> absolutely. >> it's judgment day, only three inventors are invited to pitch investors. april's towel belt. >> and i woke up feeling like,

okay, maybe i am still a little nervous, but it will be good. >> reporter: and shane's gotta potty. >> i enjoy talking about it, so it doesn't make me nervous. >> reporter: will they bite or chew up our inventors? >> i'm april mitchell and this is my product, the telebelt. which doesn't set the room on fire. >> there are other ways to go to market as well. >> reporter: gotta potty. >> gotta go outside? >> reporter: the judges sniff, but no bites, not yet. i'm nick watt for "nightline." but wait, there's more. >> reporter: we've been working on this for a really long time, and i know you're ready. >> hello, everyone. my name's van dexter, i'm a product developer and a lover of pie. >> reporter: solid start. >> sorry, i'm a little nervous.

>> reporter: but -- >> that nervous energy is very natural and absolutely expected. >> reporter: but they want more mark research before committing. >> it's a new concept. you're asking, will they consider two pies in one? >> reporter: it's a revolution is what it is. i'm nick watt for "nightline," in san diego, california. up next, with millions of college students cramming for finals, how these campus companions are proving to be a welcome study break. abc news "nightline," brought to you by volkswagen. hmmmmmm..... [ "dreams" by beck ] hmmmmm...

hmmmmm... the turbocharged dream machine. the volkswagen golf gti. part of the award-winning golf family. is soh, she better not be.ld? our claim runs straight down to the glut'n free stuffin'. it's gluten. there's gold in them thar shells. liquid gold. e*trade is all about seizing opportunity. and i'd like to... cut. thank you, we'll call you. evening, film noir, smoke, atmosphere... bob... you're a young farmhand and e*trade is your cow. milk it. e*trade is all about seizing opportunity. sign up at etrade.com and get up to six hundred dollars.

try cool mint zantac. hey, need fast heartburn relief? it releases a cooling sensation in your mouth and throat. zantac works in as little as 30 minutes. nexium can take 24 hours. try cool mint zantac. no pill relieves heartburn faster.

♪ and finally tonight, this is it. we're in the teeth of finals season. so how are stressed-out college students these days coping with the mind-numbing pressure of those late-night cram sessions? the answer could be as simple as a little bit of puppy love. ♪ >> for sophomore cello student matthew chen, the stress of playing the strings just right

is reaching a crescendo. ♪ >> i have a bunch of things do and a bunch of performances coming up. it can be really stressful. >> reporter: it's finals time at julliard, the elite performing arts school in new york. >> we don't really have a second chance for these kind of things. it's a once a year kind of an event. >> reporter: his method for overcoming a rough time? comes covered in fur. >> hi, how are you? >> reporter: a therapy dog study break. >> dogs are great, they will give you affection no matter what. it's a good time to get away from everything. >> reporter: julliard and other campuses are bringing therapy dogs to wick away the stress. more than 40% of students they say experienced overwhelming anxiety in the past year. >> they really help destress, lower blood pressure and they help people in need. the president