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Tag:
Fraud
Arlington, VA
Business
Scammers Using Trump Tariff Confusion To Trick Online Shoppers, BBB Warns
Scammers are using the confusion surrounding President Donald Trump's changing tariffs to cover up missing packages and ignore refund requests. The Better Business Bureau says it's seeing more reports of shady sellers blaming "tariffs" and "customs delays" when products don't arrive. In many cases, the sellers vanish after taking your money. The BBB has warned that shoppers aren't typically responsible for tariffs after buying online and it's a red flag if a seller says your item is stuck in customs due to tariffs. "After 2 months of not receiving my product I have…
Fairfield, CT
Police & Fire
Thousands Of Fake Nurses Uncovered In Massive Diploma Scam; CT Reviewing Licenses: Feds
More than two dozen people across the US now face federal charges for their roles in a major scheme to sell fake nursing diplomas, a scam that investigators say may have put lives at risk in hospitals and clinics across the country, including in Connecticut. “This is a public safety concern,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe. “It also tarnishes the reputation of nurses who actually complete the demanding clinical and coursework required to obtain their professional licenses and employment.” In Connecticut, the fallout has already started. The state Board of Examiners for Nursing h…
Secaucus, NJ
Police & Fire
'Crystal Clear': Secaucus Pool Staff Stole Chemicals To Run Secret Side Hustle, Cops Say
Four Secaucus town employees were arrested after allegedly running a private pool business using stolen chemicals, town property, and taxpayer-funded hours, authorities said. The employees — John T. Schwartz, 61, Frank N. Flanagan, 32, Joseph Ferrara, 27, and Megan R. Wofsy-Flanagan, 31, all of Secaucus — were charged following a three-month investigation into their company, Crystal Clear Pool and Spa Management, according to the Secaucus Police Department. Detectives said the four used their positions with the Secaucus Recreation Department to steal pool chemicals from the Secaucus Town Po…
Hackensack, NJ
Police & Fire
Bronx Man Tried Cashing Fake Check At Maywood Bank, Then Made A Run For It: Cops
A Bronx man trying to cash a fake check at a TD Bank in Bergen County took off running when police showed up — but he didn’t get far, authorities said. Lamont T. Everett, 31, was arrested on Sunday, June 8, around 12:43 p.m., after employees at the TD Bank on Maywood Avenue reported a man trying to cash a fraudulent check, according to the Maywood Police Sgt. William Phayre. Officer Andrew Mulligan arrived and saw Everett walking out of the bank, police said. When Everett spotted the officer, he ran. Mulligan chased Everett down East Pleasant Avenue and apprehended him two blocks away, pol…
Stafford, VA
Police & Fire
Double Trouble: Stafford Deputies Nab Two Fugitives During One Traffic Stop: Sheriff
It started with a suspicious Silverado. It ended with two wanted fugitives from two states behind bars. Shortly before 7 a.m. on Monday, June 9, a deputy from the Stafford County Sheriff's Office was patrolling Richmond Highway near Austin Park Drive when a Chevrolet Silverado caught his attention, officials said. The registered owner had an active warrant, so the deputy made the stop, according to the sheriff's office. What he didn’t expect was a bonus pair of wanted wanderers inside. The driver — Emilio Sanchez Linares, 41, of Alexandria — wasn’t the original target. But a quick check s…
White Plains, NY
News
FBI Says Don’t Answer If You Get This Call
If someone calls claiming to be the FBI or another government agency and threatens arrest unless you pay up, hang up. Scammers across the country are impersonating federal authorities and spoofing legitimate government phone numbers in a rising wave of fraud, authorities say. Victims are being told they face immediate arrest unless they send money via prepaid gift cards, wire transfers, cash, or cryptocurrency. The threats are fake, but the financial losses are very real. Here’s how the scam works: Caller ID spoofing — Scammers manipulate phone numbers so it looks like the call is coming…
Clifton Park, NY
Business
Handyman Takes $1K From Clifton Park Client Before Skipping Out On Work, Police Say
A purported handyman took a Capital Region client’s cash before skipping out on the work, police alleged. Charles Ferrara, 52, of Schenectady, was arrested on suspicion of felony grand larceny on Sunday, June 8, following an investigation by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. Ferrara was hired by a Clifton Park resident to perform handyman-type work, and accepted a check for $1,045 from the client, deputies said. But instead of performing the work, he cashed their check and cut all communication with the victim, according to investigators. Following his arrest, Ferrara was releas…
Hackensack, NJ
News
Thousands In NJ Hit With Fake Text Threatening License Suspension: Don't Fall For It
Thousands of Garden State residents were targeted this week by a fake text message claiming drivers owed traffic fines and faced immediate license suspension. The phishing scam used the names of the New Jersey Department of Motor Vehicles, EZ-Pass, and NJ Courts, warning of penalties, toll charges, and even prosecution. The message read: “Final Notice: Enforcement Penalties Begin on May 30. Our records show you still have an outstanding traffic ticket… Suspension of driving privileges for 30 days… Credit score will be affected.” The text includes a link posing as a payment portal and urge…
Lancaster, PA
News
Trio Of Cubans Living In NJ Caught In Credit Card Skimming Scheme: Lancaster County DA
Three Cuban nationals living in New Jersey have been ordered to stand trial for an elaborate credit card skimming scheme that targeted gas station customers in Lancaster County, authorities announced on Thursday, June 5. Yosvel Gonzalez, 51, and Reinier Gracia-Martinez, 40, both of Elizabeth, NJ, along with Rudislandy Gracia-Toledo, 24, of North Bergen, NJ, are accused of installing hidden card skimmers at a gas station in the 1700 block of Hempstead Road in East Lampeter Township, then using stolen data to make thousands of dollars in purchases, according to the Lancaster County District At…
Kingston, NY
News
$1.2M Heist On Wheels: Dad-Son Duo Busted In Medicaid Limo Fraud Scheme In Ulster County: DA
A father-son duo from the Hudson Valley is accused of masterminding a $1.2 million Medicaid fraud scheme involving fake limo rides and kickbacks to patients. Muhammad W. Khan, 40, and his father, Mohammad A. Khan, 68 — both from Campbell Hall — falsified transportation records, billed for group rides as individual trips, and even paid off patients to use their Ulster County companies, according to state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. Muhammad Khan, owner of MAK Limo, is accused of stealing over $1.1 million between November 2020 and August 2024. His father, Mohammad Khan, who owns Atlas Limo,…
Uniondale, NY
News
Dad Tried Blowing Up Uniondale Gov't Building Over Custody Dispute, Led $600K Fraud Scheme: DA
A Long Island father who tried to blow up a government building in a custody-fueled revenge plot pleaded guilty to a laundry list of charges, including multiple bomb-related crimes, mortgage fraud, and identity theft. James Luca, age 47, admitted in Nassau County Court Monday, June 2, to trying to ignite explosive devices outside the county’s Department of Social Services building in Uniondale in September 2024. Upset and aggrieved, he blamed Nassau County Child Protective Services for revoking his visitation rights with his children, as Daily Voice previously reported. Luca placed two pro…
Dix Hills-Melville, NY
News
Melville Exec Stole $1.6M To Fund Lavish Wedding, Failed Restaurant, DOJ Says
A former Long Island credit supervisor is accused of stealing over $1 million from customer refund accounts to pay for his wedding, luxury travel, and launch a failed restaurant venture, prosecutors said. Tony Ream, 33, of Greenville, South Carolina, was arraigned on wire fraud and money laundering charges in Central Islip federal court on Friday, May 30. During his time as a credit supervisor for a Melville-based medical and dental supply company, Ream used his position to secretly divert corporate funds into a personal bank account he controlled, prosecutors alleged. As supervisor, he ha…
Bethlehem, PA
Police & Fire
Scranton Foreign Exchange Student Nabbed In $35K Scam: Police
A 21-year-old foreign exchange student from India, residing in Scranton, was arrested and charged on Thursday, May 22, with attempting to collect $80,000 in a phony Amazon scam that defrauded a Howell resident, authorities said. A Howell resident tried to replace an Amazon order delivered to the wrong address and while searching for Amazon's customer service, was led to an imposter phone number, Howell police said. A scammer posing as an Amazon employee convinced the victim to withdraw $35,000 to "fix" their Amazon and bank accounts, police said. A man later arrived at the victim's home…
Sellersville-Perkasie, PA
Schools
PTO Treasurer Embezzled Over $20K From Sellersville Elementary School Fundraisers: Police
A Telford woman is accused of embezzling more than $20,000 from an elementary school PTO while serving as its treasurer, Hilltown Township police announced on Thursday, May 29. Jacqueline Marie Bucco, 46, allegedly stole the funds over a two-year period from J. M. Grasse Elementary School's Parent Teacher Organization after assuming the role of treasurer in September 2021, police said. The PTO contacted the Hilltown Township Police Department in June 2023 when it discovered its bank account had been drained, according to authorities. A lengthy investigation led by Detective Louis Bell revea…
Baldwin, NY
News
Exclusive
: $1M Theft At Kolstein's In Baldwin Is More Revenge From Ex-Boss, Owner Says
A Long Island music store owner whose father is accused of stealing more than $1 million in rare instruments says the criminal case against him is part of a long-running battle over control of the historic shop. Manuel Alvarez, 61, of East Rockaway, was arrested after Nassau County police say he removed over $1 million in musical instruments and items from Kolstein Music in Baldwin, and transported them to an undisclosed location in Florida, Nassau County Police said. But his son, Manny Alvarez, who has been the owner of the music shop for nearly seven years, tells a different story. “Barr…
Centereach-Selden, NY
News
Selden Bookkeeper Who Embezzled Over $1M From LI Businesses Sentenced To Prison
A former bookkeeper who embezzled more than $1 million from two Long Island construction companies could spend years behind bars. Mary Spora, 59, of Selden, was sentenced to between one and four years in prison in Nassau County Court on Wednesday, May 28. It followed her guilty pleas to grand larceny and falsifying business records in August 2024. An investigation found that Spora abused her position as a bookkeeper to steal from Coastal Materials and Big Apple Concrete Supply, Inc., which share the same owner, the Nassau County DA’s office said. She altered payroll software records to mak…
Saratoga Springs, NY
News
FBI Issues Warning About 'Malicious' AI Scam: What To Know
Scammers are using fraudulent text messages and AI-generated voice messages, according to a new warning from the FBI. Since April 2025, malicious actors have been impersonating senior US officials to target individuals, particularly current and former federal and state government officials and their contacts. Details The fraudsters are using text messages and AI-generated voice messages, known as smishing and vishing, to establish a false sense of rapport before attempting to access personal accounts. One common tactic involves sending a malicious link disguised as a request to tran…
Yonkers, NY
News
$477K Scheme: Doorman From Yonkers Steals From Retired NYC Teacher, Husband, DA Says
A Westchester County man has admitted to stealing nearly $478,000 from a retired New York City schoolteacher and her husband while working as their building’s doorman, prosecutors announced. Alfredo Mateo, 38, of Yonkers, pleaded guilty in Manhattan Supreme Court to grand larceny and identity theft charges, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced on Wednesday, May 21. According to Bragg, Mateo launched a calculated financial scheme against the couple after the husband died on September 1, 2022, and the wife, a retired schoolteacher, was living in a nursing home under co…
Kutztown, PA
Police & Fire
Kutztown Man Faked Landlord Role To Steal $14K From Opioid Housing Program: Berks DA
A Kutztown man posed as a landlord to steal thousands of dollars meant to help recovering addicts get housing, Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams announced on Thursday, May 22. Kody A. Kirkland, 32, forged documents, faked pay stubs, and filed phony applications to cash in on the State Opioid Response (SOR) Rental Assistance Program, according to county detectives. The taxpayer-funded program, managed by the Treatment Access and Services Center, Inc. (TASC), was created to help people struggling with addiction keep a roof over their heads. Instead, investigators say Kirkland turne…
Stamford, CT
Police & Fire
Stamford DoorDash Scammer Was Murdered Before Trial, Now Feds Scramble To Return Stolen Money
Federal officials have recovered more than $736,000 linked to a Connecticut-based scam targeting DoorDash drivers. But the man behind the scheme was murdered just two days before a court appearance, and now prosecutors must figure out how to return the stolen cash. Police began investigating David Smith in January 2023 when Stamford police responded to a domestic violence call at a local apartment, the U.S. Attorney for Connecticut said. Inside, officers found a 9mm handgun with an extended magazine and multiple safes stuffed with $736,040 in cash, along with 118 credit and debit cards, most…
Nassau, NY
News
$20K RV, Ticket Scam Orchestrated By Nassau Man, Police Say
A 63-year-old man is behind bars after allegedly conning multiple people out of thousands of dollars in a months-long fraud scheme, police said. Rensselaer County resident Patrick Walsh, of Nassau, was arrested following a New York State Police investigation Monday, May 5. Troopers determined that Walsh targeted victims while in Schodack, collecting payments for high-value items like RVs and concert tickets he never provided, police said. In total, he is accused of stealing over $20,000 through the alleged scam. Walsh is charged with four counts of grand larceny and one count of scheme to…
Pasadena-Lake Shore, MD
News
Unholy Hustle: Pasadena Pastor Stole $347K From Church, Dodged Taxes, Officials Say
There was no miracle here. Just an elaborate fraud scheme involving a purported man of God in Maryland. A former Anne Arundel County pastor who stole nearly $350,000 from his church and failed to report it on his taxes will avoid prison time after being sentenced to probation, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown announced on Tuesday, May 13. Jerome Isaac Hurley, 44, of Pasadena, was sentenced in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court after being convicted of willfully filing a false Maryland tax return, officials said. Hurley served as pastor of Miracle Temple Church in Lothian from 2017 to…
Chatham-Ghent, NY
News
$10M Lie: Sweet-Talking Scammer Conned Chatham Victim Out Of Thousands, Police Say
A fraudster convinced an elderly Capital Region man he had won millions in a sweepstakes, then walked away with tens of thousands in cash, police said. Lance Norman, 36, of Queens, was arrested on Monday, May 12, in connection with an elaborate Publishers Clearing House scam that targeted a victim in Columbia County, according to New York State Police. A Chatham man told troopers he received a phone call claiming he had won $10 million and a new Mercedes-Benz. The caller instructed him that in order to claim the prize, he needed to pay taxes up front. The victim handed over approximately $…
Hackensack, NJ
News
Hackensack NJ Transit Employee Made $700K Selling Stolen Phones: OAG
A 37-year-old NJ Transit employee and Hackensack resident, was arrested and charged in a scheme to sell phones purchased with public funds for a personal profit of more than $700,000, authorities said. Peejay Manila, who had been employed with NJ Transit since December 2019, sold NJ Transit-owned iPhones to cellphone buy-back companies after purchasing them using NJ Transit funds authorized only for official purposes, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. From November 2020 through September 2024, Manila sold 850 phones and other electronic devices to a cellphone trade-in c…
White Plains, NY
News
Luigi Mangione Musical Is Real, And It's Sold Out
A new musical rooted in true crime and real-world headlines is making waves for its surreal premise — and stranger backstory. The creators of Luigi The Musical, which centers on controversial figure Luigi Mangione, say it will offer a unique blend of comedy and social critique, distancing itself from any glorification of violence. It will premiere on Friday, June 13, in San Francisco, at the Taylor Street Theater. Tickets for all five of its initial performances are sold out, with new dates expected to be announced, according to the show’s website. Mangione, a 27-year-old Maryland native, …
Hackensack, NJ
Police & Fire
Machine Gun Glock, Forged Checks, Fake IDs Found In BMW In Rochelle Park: Police
Four people were arrested in a routine traffic stop in Bergen County that led to a major bust involving a Glock modified into a machine gun, fraudulent checks, stolen identities, and pounds of drugs, police said. On Friday, May 2, Rochelle Park Officer Chris Kiszka pulled over a 5 Series BMW on Rochelle Avenue for having a suspended New York registration, according to a release from the Rochelle Park Police Department, issued by Capt. James DePreta. Inside the car were four people — all not wearing seatbelts, DePreta said. They were identified as Brandon Myers, 18, of Garfield (driver)…
Hudson, NY
News
Columbia Co. Victim Gave $100K In Gold, Cash To Scammer Posing As Federal Agent, Police Say
A Long Island man posing as a federal agent conned a Hudson Valley woman into handing over nearly $100,000 in cash and gold, police said. Mykhaylo Mykhaylov, 39, of Copiague, was busted during an undercover operation in Columbia County on Wednesday, May 7 — just as the victim was about to deliver yet another payment, New York State Police said. The 73-year-old victim first contacted police on Monday, May 5, after realizing she may have been targeted in a fraud scheme that began in March. She told troopers that people claiming to be agents with the Federal Trade Commission had convinced her …
Colonie, NY
Business
Whistleblower To Get $1M After Tipping Off DOJ About
Ny-b
ased Restaurant Chain's COVID Fraud
A whistleblower who alerted the federal government to a restaurant chain’s fraudulent pandemic aid claim will walk away with more than $1.17 million. CoreLife Eatery, which operates restaurants in several states, including New York and Pennsylvania, admitted it falsely claimed to be eligible for Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) money—federal grants meant to help small businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s where the whistleblower comes in. The civil case was brought under the False Claims Act, which allows private citizens to file lawsuits on behalf of the government if t…
Doylestown, PA
News
Dead Man’s House Stolen With Help From Bucks County Attorney, Now Sentenced To Prison: DOJ
A Bucks County attorney who took part in a scheme to steal a house from a dead man’s family and filed false claims in federal court is headed to prison, the FBI announced on Tuesday, May 6. Alan Kane, 60, of Jamison, was sentenced to one year and one day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, according to US Attorney David Metcalf. He must also pay $160,072 in restitution and a $1,000 fine, as ordered by U.S. District Court Judge Michael M. Baylson on Monday, April 28. A federal jury convicted Kane in September of two counts of bankruptcy fraud, one count of filing a fals…
Conshohocken-Plymouth Meeting, PA
News
Dog, Cash, Perks Traded For $52M In Amtrak Project, Philly Contractor Admits: DOJ
A contractor president conspired to bribe an Amtrak project manager in exchange for millions of dollars in additional work on Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station, federal prosecutors announced on Wednesday, April 30. Mark Snedden, 69, of Munster, Indiana, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Federal Program Bribery and Making and Presenting a False Claim before U.S. District Judge Wendy Beetlestone, according to U.S. Attorney David Metcalf of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Snedden was the president and sole owner of a masonry restoration company that had been awarded a $58.4 million…
Floral Park-Bellerose, NY
News
Floral Park Attorney Blew $1.2M On Strip Clubs, Luxury Hotels Using Stolen Client Funds: DA
A Long Island real estate attorney is accused of stealing more than $1.2 million in client funds that instead went toward luxury hotels, restaurants, and strip clubs, prosecutors said. Terrance Dougherty, 36, of Oyster Bay, was arraigned on fraud and related charges in Nassau County Court on Wednesday, April 30, stemming from a case that District Attorney Anne Donnelly decried as a “disgraceful abuse of trust.” Between March 2021 and November 2024, Dougherty embezzled escrow funds from at least 20 victims while operating a law office on Jericho Turnpike in Floral Park, prosecutors alleged. …
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