Tag:

Identity theft

Warning Issued For Nationwide Automated 'Sextortion' Scam: Here's What To Know Warning Issued For Nationwide Automated 'Sextortion' Scam: Here's What To Know
Warning Issued For Nationwide Automated 'Sextortion' Scam: Here's What To Know Authorities are warning the public of a nationwide automated scam in which scammers use people’s email addresses to coerce payments by intimidating them with threats of embarrassment. Victims of the "sextortion" scheme, usually children and teens, are manipulated to photograph or video material for extortionists. "After receiving the sexually explicit content from the child, the offender threatens to release that compromising material unless the victim produces additional explicit material," said the FBI in issuing the warning to parents, educators, caregivers, and children. In a sepa…
Babysitter Stole $35K In Cash, Goods From Darien Home: Police Babysitter Stole $35K In Cash, Goods From Darien Home: Police
Babysitter Stole $35K In Cash, Goods From Darien Home: Police The crime was coming from inside the house. Allegedly.  A 27-year-old Connecticut woman is accused of ripping off a Fairfield County family for more than $35,000 in stolen items and money illegally charged on their credit card, authorities said.  Fairfield County resident Brigid Stanley, of Stamford, is charged with first-degree theft, illegal taking of a payment card, spending more than $500 on a revoked payment card, first-degree identity theft, and third-degree forgery, her arrest report shows. The client called Darien Police earlier this summer to report that $19,546.54 …
Ousted Rep. George Santos  Likely To Face Prison After Pleading Guilty In Fraud Case Ousted Rep. George Santos  Likely To Face Prison After Pleading Guilty In Fraud Case
Ousted Rep. George Santos Likely To Face Prison After Pleading Guilty In Fraud Case Former Republican Congressman George Santos admitted to committing wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in a federal court on Monday, Aug. 19, authorities announced.  The 36-year-old former inhabitant of New York's 3rd Congressional District seat on Long Island was facing 23 felonies, and a trial set to begin next month.  A federal judge will sentence Santos on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, the US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York said. According to federal sentencing guidelines, aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year minimum sentence.&n…
Ex-Rep. Santos To Plead Guilty In Federal Trial: Reports Ex-Rep. Santos To Plead Guilty In Federal Trial: Reports
Ex-Rep. Santos To Plead Guilty In Federal Trial: Reports Former Republican Rep. George Santos is expected to plead guilty to federal charges weeks ahead of his upcoming trial, multiple news outlets are reporting.  The 36-year-old Santos, who represented New York's 3rd Congressional District, faces 23 federal charges including identity theft, wire fraud, money laundering, and lying to Congress.  NBC News reported that Santos' lawyers and federal investigators are hammering out a plea deal on some of those charges that will be presented to a judge on Monday, Aug. 19. The details on that agreement, which charges he will admit to, and …
Ousted Rep Santos Celebrates 'Squad' Member's 'Humiliating' Loss: 'We're Coming To Get You' Ousted Rep Santos Celebrates 'Squad' Member's 'Humiliating' Loss: 'We're Coming To Get You'
Ousted Rep Santos Celebrates 'Squad' Member's 'Humiliating' Loss: 'We're Coming To Get You' Former Rep. George Santos may have been banished out into the political cold, but he's kept his grudges hot.  The 36-year-old former Republican who served New York's 3rd District posted a video Tuesday night, Aug. 6, celebrating after another member of the so-called "Squad" lost her primary. Related: Santos Announces Comeback Bid After Being Ousted From Congress Rep. Cori Bush, who has served Missouri's 1st District since 2021, lost her bid on Tuesday to remain on the Democratic ticket to local prosecutor Wesley Bell, who garnered 51 percent of the vote to Bush's 45, according to NBC …
Attempted Fake Transaction At Darien Bank Lands Man In Jail, Police Say Attempted Fake Transaction At Darien Bank Lands Man In Jail, Police Say
Attempted Fake Transaction At Darien Bank Lands Man In Jail, Police Say A man who was wanted for allegedly attempting to make a fraudulent bank transaction in Fairfield County turned himself in to the police. Steven Guardindo, age 56, of Wilmington, North Carolina, was arrested on July 11 by Darien Police for the March 2023 incident. According to Darien Police Sgt. Mauricio Vigil, officers responded to the Fairfield Country Bank in Darien for a report of a man attempting to make a fraudulent transaction using a fake passport. By the time officers officers arrived, Guardino had already left. But bank employees told police he gave them the fake ID in t…
Weston 20-Year-Old Accused Of Stealing Wallet From Westport YMCA, Using Credit Cards Weston 20-Year-Old Accused Of Stealing Wallet From Westport YMCA, Using Credit Cards
Weston 20-Year-Old Accused Of Stealing Wallet From Westport YMCA, Using Credit Cards A Fairfield County man was charged with larceny after allegedly stealing a wallet from a gym and using the credit cards inside. Massimo Zhong, 20, of Weston, was arrested on Monday, July 8, for the June incident at the Westport/Weston YMCA. According to Lt. Eric Woods of the Westport Police, officers started an investigation after the theft was reported, and they found that the credit cards were used in Norwalk shortly after being stolen. The investigating officer reviewed surveillance footage and identified Zhong entering the YMCA, entering the locker room, and leaving. Woods said he…
Fairfield County Woman Embezzles $47K From Medical Practice: Police Fairfield County Woman Embezzles $47K From Medical Practice: Police
Fairfield County Woman Embezzles $47K From Medical Practice: Police A woman has been arrested on charges including larceny after she allegedly used stolen and forged checks to steal tens of thousands of dollars from the medical practice where she worked. The Fairfield County arrest occurred on Wednesday, May 29 in Darien, police said. A medical practice in Darien reported a former employee, 34-year-old Anisa Ymeri, for an alleged yearlong embezzlement scheme. From August 2022 to August 2023, Ymeri used stolen and forged checks to steal approximately $47,000. Investigators reportedly were able to link multiple checks, missing check stubs, and discrepan…
Man Cashes Thousands In Checks Stolen From Mailboxes In Wilton, Police Say Man Cashes Thousands In Checks Stolen From Mailboxes In Wilton, Police Say
Man Cashes Thousands In Checks Stolen From Mailboxes In Wilton, Police Say A 35-year-old man is behind bars after allegedly stealing checks from Fairfield County mailboxes and changing the amount before cashing them. New York City resident Boris Vivies, age 35, of the Bronx, was arrested on Tuesday, May 7, for the incident in Wilton in September 2022. According to Lt. Anna Tornello of the Wilton Police, officers received complaints that checks had been stolen from mailboxes, altered, and then cashed for $4,000. An extensive investigation found that Vivies was responsible for thefts, and an arrest warrant was issued. On Thursday, May 2, Vivies was detained b…
Man Busted Trying To Open Account At Darien Bank With Fake ID, Police Say Man Busted Trying To Open Account At Darien Bank With Fake ID, Police Say
Man Busted Trying To Open Account At Darien Bank With Fake ID, Police Say Police nabbed a 46-year-old man who allegedly attempted to open an account at a Fairfield County bank with a fraudulent identification.  The incident occurred in Darien on Friday, April 12, at the TD Bank at 55 Post Road.  According to Sgt. Dan Skoumbros of the Darien Police, New York City resident Wesley Gabriel, age 46, of Brooklyn, was attempting to open a bank account with a current customer's identification and then attempted to leave the bank.  When officers spoke with Gabriel, he refused to identify himself and refused to answer any questions, Skoumbros said…
George Santos Announces Comeback Bid For NY Congressional Seat: 'Off To The Races' George Santos Announces Comeback Bid For NY Congressional Seat: 'Off To The Races'
George Santos Announces Comeback Bid For NY Congressional Seat: 'Off To The Races' Disgraced former New York Rep. George Santos is mounting a comeback campaign. The Republican ex-lawmaker from Long Island – who was ousted from his 3rd District seat representing parts of Nassau County and Queens – announced a primary challenge against Rep. Nick LaLota for his 1st District seat. In a statement on X shared during President Biden’s State of the Union address Thursday night, March 7, Santos said New York hasn’t had “a real conservative represent them” since he left office “thanks to RINO, empty suits like Nick LaLota.” Earlier Report: Exiled Congressman Turned Reality …
Darien Resident's IRS Payments Stolen Out Mailbox, Cashed By Thief, Police Say Darien Resident's IRS Payments Stolen Out Mailbox, Cashed By Thief, Police Say
Darien Resident's IRS Payments Stolen Out Mailbox, Cashed By Thief, Police Say A Fairfield County resident who mailed two checks to pay his taxes was surprised when he received word from the Internal Revenue Service about non-payment of his bill. The Darien resident then contacted the police in May 2023, who found that someone had stolen his checks out of his mailbox and cashed them with another name on the payee line. An investigation led Darien Police to the Morris County Correctional Center in New Jersey to arrest David Velazquez, age 28, of Warren, New Jersey. According to Darien Police Sgt. Dan Skoumbros, Velazquz had allegedly taken the checks out of the m…
Norwalk Woman Nabbed For Stealing, Cashing Checks In Westport, Police Say Norwalk Woman Nabbed For Stealing, Cashing Checks In Westport, Police Say
Norwalk Woman Nabbed For Stealing, Cashing Checks In Westport, Police Say A Fairfield County woman was nabbed for allegedly ripping off checks, altering them, and then cashing them.  Norwalk resident Joann Guzman, age 28, was arrested on Sunday, Feb. 25, for the incident that occurred in January. According to Westport Police Lt. Eric Woods, Westport Police initiated an investigation after a complaint was made concerning checks being stolen, altered, and cashed.  The investigation revealed that two neighbors were contacted by two different banks concerning checks that were being cashed against their accounts by the same person, Woods said…
Wilton Man Nabbed For Possession Of Child Porn, Police Say Wilton Man Nabbed For Possession Of Child Porn, Police Say
Wilton Man Nabbed For Possession Of Child Porn, Police Say A Fairfield County man has been charged with possession of child pornography after police allegedly found 153 video files containing child sex abuse during a search of his home. Eduardo Barajas-Mendoza, age 37 of Wilton, was arrested on Tuesday, Jan. 30 by the Wilton Police following an intensive investigation. According to Lt. Anna Tornello, of the Wilton Police, the department received information from the Connecticut State Police task force reporting that the distribution of child sexual abuse material may have occurred in Wilton. A search warrant was completed for the IP Addr…
Woman Charged With ID Theft After Trying To Withdraw $6K In Cash At TD Bank In Darien: Police Woman Charged With ID Theft After Trying To Withdraw $6K In Cash At TD Bank In Darien: Police
Woman Charged With ID Theft After Trying To Withdraw $6K In Cash At TD Bank In Darien: Police A 43-year-old Connecticut woman was charged with identity theft and other crimes after allegedly attempting to withdraw $6,500 in cash at a bank in Fairfield County. Nicole Brayman of New London, was charged on Saturday, Jan. 20 in Darien. According to Sgt. Dan Skoumbros of the Darien Police, officers responded to TD Bank located at 55 Post Road on a report of a woman attempting to withdraw cash using stolen identity information.  An officer located Brayman in the parking lot and while speaking with her she said she had a crack pipe in her bag and that she left a fraudu…
Man, 30, Poses As CT Landlord, Demands Money From Resident, Police Say Man, 30, Poses As CT Landlord, Demands Money From Resident, Police Say
Man, 30, Poses As CT Landlord, Demands Money From Resident, Police Say A 30-year-old man has been charged with burglary after allegedly breaking into a Connecticut home posing as a fake landlord. Hampden County resident Precious C. Okorie, age 30, of Springfield, Massachusetts, was arrested around 4:40 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 28 in South Windsor, Connecticut.  According to Sgt. Mark Cleverdon of the South Windsor Police, Okorie broke into a home and remained there while the resident and her two children were present as part of a fake landlord-tenant dispute. An investigation into the incident found that Okorie created and forged leasing documents using…
George Santos In Talks For Plea Deal In 23-Count Federal Case, Court Filing Shows George Santos In Talks For Plea Deal In 23-Count Federal Case, Court Filing Shows
George Santos In Talks For Plea Deal In 23-Count Federal Case, Court Filing Shows Disgraced former New York Rep. George Santos may avoid leaving his fate up to a trial in his federal fraud case. The Republican ex-congressman is currently in talks with federal prosecutors for a possible plea deal in his 23-count criminal case, according to a filing in Central Islip federal court on Monday, Dec. 11. In the joint filing, US Attorney Breon Peace and Santos asked the court to schedule the next status conference in approximately 30 days, saying “the parties are presently engaged in plea negotiations with the goal of resolving this matter without the need for a trial.” Earli…
Man Accused Of Trying To Cash Forged Checks At Bank In Wilton Man Accused Of Trying To Cash Forged Checks At Bank In Wilton
Man Accused Of Trying To Cash Forged Checks At Bank In Wilton A 48-year-old man was captured after a months-long investigation into identity theft and larceny at a Fairfield County bank.  James Greco, of Wynantskill, New York, located in Rensselaer County, was charged on Tuesday, Nov. 21 on a warrant for the July incident at a Wilton bank. According to Lt. Anna Tornello, of the Wilton Police, Greco entered the bank and forged checks in the victim’s name, and then deposited the cash into other accounts. After an extensive investigation, and with the help of several other law enforcement agencies, Greco was identified as the suspect and …
Know Them? Duo Wanted For Norwalk Car Burglaries, Police Say Know Them? Duo Wanted For Norwalk Car Burglaries, Police Say
Know Them? Duo Wanted For Norwalk Car Burglaries, Police Say Police in Fairfield County are asking the public for help identifying two people allegedly responsible for several vehicle burglaries and cashing some $30,000 in fake checks using the car owner's identity. The Norwalk Detective Bureau said the two are responsible for burglarizing several vehicles parked on Muller Avenue on Nov. 8, said Lt. Tomasz Podgorski of the Norwalk Police. Podgorski said after burglarizing the vehicles, the duo used the identifications of the owners of the vehicles to cash over $30,000.00 in fraudulent checks.  The suspects were seen operating a white …
Man Nabbed For Using Stolen ID At Darien BMW To Buy Car, Police Say Man Nabbed For Using Stolen ID At Darien BMW To Buy Car, Police Say
Man Nabbed For Using Stolen ID At Darien BMW To Buy Car, Police Say A 27-year-old man turned himself in to police on a warrant for allegedly buying a BMW using a stolen identification. Christopher Louis, of Queens, was charged on Tuesday, Nov. 11 for the incident that occurred in July at BMW of Darien. According to Sgt. Dan Skoumbros of the Darien Police, an employee from BMW of Darien reported a stolen 2020 BMW M4.  The employee told officers they sold the BMW to Louis who cleared all background checks and credit checks. Another dealership in Hartford notified the dealership that the same person was trying to purchase a vehicle from t…
Woman Swipes Money Orders Sent From Fairfield County, Forges For Herself, Police Say Woman Swipes Money Orders Sent From Fairfield County, Forges For Herself, Police Say
Woman Swipes Money Orders Sent From Fairfield County, Forges For Herself, Police Say A 31-year-old woman is accused of stealing money orders that were sent from a Fairfield County mailbox and pocketing the money for herself. Julissa Herrera, age 31, of the Bronx, turned herself in to Darien Police on Friday, Nov. 17, on an open warrant. According to investigators, the victim contacted police in July 2023 saying that two of her Western Union money orders had been stolen. She had placed the money orders into a USPS mailbox on Corbin Drive in Darien in April 2023, but later noticed that the funds never showed up in her bank account. The woman eventually learned that the chec…
Woman Accused Of Stealing Wilton Resident’s Identity To Cash Checks Woman Accused Of Stealing Wilton Resident’s Identity To Cash Checks
Woman Accused Of Stealing Wilton Resident’s Identity To Cash Checks A woman from Pennsylvania has been charged with burglary and identity theft after she allegedly broke into a car in Connecticut, and tried to cash checks she stole from that car, police said. Kaitlyn Miller, age 28, of King of Prussia in Montgomery County, PA, was arrested on Wednesday, Nov. 15, in Fairfield County after police said she broke into a car in Wilton Center on Jan. 24. She stole checks from that car and cashed, or tried to cash them, at different banks shortly after, according to police. Miller was arraigned at Stamford Superior Court and charged with: Conspiracy to coming t…
Fairfield County Congressman Votes Against Expelling Rep. Santos: 'I'm Not F'ing Around' Fairfield County Congressman Votes Against Expelling Rep. Santos: 'I'm Not F'ing Around'
Fairfield County Congressman Votes Against Expelling Rep. Santos: 'I'm Not F'ing Around' A Connecticut congressman is defending his decision to vote against expelling New York Rep. George Santos from Congress despite the fact that he is facing almost two dozen federal criminal charges.  Rep. Jim Himes, who represents Connecticut's 4th congressional district, voted against expelling Santos during a resolution to oust him brought by his fellow New York Republicans on Wednesday night, Nov. 1.  Earlier Report - NY Rep. George Santos Dodges Expulsion From House: 'Victory For Due Process' The 4th District includes parts of Fairfield and New Haven counties, including the cities of B…
George Santos Dodges Expulsion From House: 'Victory For Due Process' George Santos Dodges Expulsion From House: 'Victory For Due Process'
George Santos Dodges Expulsion From House: 'Victory For Due Process' New York Rep. George Santos, who admitted to lying about his background and is facing nearly two dozen federal criminal charges, is claiming victory after an effort to expel him from Congress failed. The freshman Republican lawmaker from Long Island, whose 3rd District represents parts of Nassau County and Queens, easily survived a resolution brought by his fellow New York Republicans to oust Santos from the House on Wednesday, Nov. 1. The resolution failed with 179 members voting in favor and 213 voting against. Nineteen members voted “present.” Earlier Report: George Santos Pleads Not…
Woman Tries Cashing Stolen Check At Bank In Darien, Caught With Fake ID: Police Woman Tries Cashing Stolen Check At Bank In Darien, Caught With Fake ID: Police
Woman Tries Cashing Stolen Check At Bank In Darien, Caught With Fake ID: Police A 25-year-old woman faces several charges after she was caught attempting to cash a stolen check at a Fairfield County bank, police said. The arrest resulted from an incident on Friday, Oct. 20 around 5:30 p.m., when Darien Police officers responded to a TD Bank located at 55 Post Rd. (Route 1) after receiving a report of a suspect trying to cash a stolen check, according to Darien Police Sgt. Dan Skoumbros. Arriving officers soon identified the suspect as 25-year-old Bronx resident Chanelle Griffin, who told them that her name was "Janet" and that the check belonged to her. …
Argument Leads To Woman's Arrest In New Canaan Argument Leads To Woman's Arrest In New Canaan
Argument Leads To Woman's Arrest In New Canaan A Connecticut woman wanted on two warrants was charged with failure to appear during an argument with another person at a Fairfield County home, authorities say.  New Haven County resident Giorgiana Rose Mastrangelo, age 23, of Ansonia, was arrested on Thursday, Aug. 10 in New Canaan on Forest Street. When New Cannan Police officers arrived at the scene of the argument they found Mastrangelo had active arrest warrants out of New Haven and New Canaan, said Lt. Marc DeFelice of the New Canaan Police. Mastrangelo was originally charged in 2021 for allegedly stealing another person’s…
Man Nabbed For High-End Thefts In Greenwich, Police Say Man Nabbed For High-End Thefts In Greenwich, Police Say
Man Nabbed For High-End Thefts In Greenwich, Police Say Police in Fairfield County have charged a Westchester County man in connection with allegedly being part of an organized retail theft ring that ripped off thousands in goods from high-end stores. Westchester County resident Randolph Justice Davis, age 27, of White Plains, was arrested by Greenwich Police on Wednesday, Aug. 2, on numerous larceny and identity theft charges. According to Lt. Ted Latiak of the Greenwich Police, in 2021, officers began an investigation into suspicious activity at several retailers in the area of Greenwich Avenue.  The investigation stemmed from an i…
Credit Card ID Theft: Worker From Stamford Accused Of Stealing Customer Info In Greenwich Credit Card ID Theft: Worker From Stamford Accused Of Stealing Customer Info In Greenwich
Credit Card ID Theft: Worker From Stamford Accused Of Stealing Customer Info In Greenwich An employee at a gas station was charged with larceny and other charges after allegedly stealing credit card information from a customer in Fairfield County and making purchases. Ahmed Rajput, age 26, of Stamford, was arrested on Monday, June 26 by Greenwich Police on a warrant, said Lt. Ted Latiak, of the Greenwich Police. According to Latiak, in April, Rajput worked at the Citco gas station, located at 392 Post Rd, in Greenwich where he allegedly stole a customer's credit card and used it to make a number of fraudulent purchases.  He was also determined to have stolen…
Mail Theft: Woman Caught Stealing IDs, Checks From Stamford Box, Police Say Mail Theft: Woman Caught Stealing IDs, Checks From Stamford Box, Police Say
Mail Theft: Woman Caught Stealing IDs, Checks From Stamford Box, Police Say A Fairfield County woman has been charged with firearms charges after allegedly being caught stealing mail that included personal checks and identities. The arrest took place on Tuesday, June 20 in Stamford following an investigation by the Stamford Police Department and the US Postal Inspection Service into the theft of mail from the box located on Camp Avenue, said Capt. Tom Scanlon, of the Stamford Police. Scanlon said Kierra Blount, age unknown, of Stamford was charged after officers a 9mm “ghost gun” with a loaded magazine in her home along with: Eight pages containing the names of …
Criminal Impersonation: CT Woman Used Stolen Debit Card To Go On Shopping Spree, Police Say Criminal Impersonation: CT Woman Used Stolen Debit Card To Go On Shopping Spree, Police Say
Criminal Impersonation: CT Woman Used Stolen Debit Card To Go On Shopping Spree, Police Say A 22-year-old Connecticut woman is accused of trying to take over a woman's financial life after someone stole her wallet, authorities said.  Litchfield County resident Audrey Bennett, of Woodbury, faces two counts of criminal impersonation and one charge each of identity theft, theft, and criminal attempt of larceny, Wallingford Police said on Friday, May 12. A New Haven County woman called Wallingford police on Jan. 17 after someone used her information to buy a new iPhone 14 from AT&T, authorities said. The woman told investigators that someone had stolen her wallet from her car…
CT Woman Fakes Elaborate Harassment Hoax, Gets Restraining Order, Police Say CT Woman Fakes Elaborate Harassment Hoax, Gets Restraining Order, Police Say
CT Woman Fakes Elaborate Harassment Hoax, Gets Restraining Order, Police Say A Connecticut woman was charged with allegedly carrying out an elaborate harassment hoax, convincing police and even getting a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend. Hartford County resident Amy E. Hull, age 35, of South Windsor, was charged on Monday, April 17 following an extensive investigation by police. According to Sgt. Mark Cleverdon, of the New Windsor Police, Hull’s charges stem from an early 2022 ongoing harassment case in which she claimed she was being harassed by the victim, an ex-boyfriend.  During the investigation, it was determined Hull orchestrated an …