Tag:

Identity theft

40 Arrests, 20 Convictions Later: Bladensburg Man With Fake ID Sentenced For $1.5M Fraud Scheme 40 Arrests, 20 Convictions Later: Bladensburg Man With Fake ID Sentenced For $1.5M Fraud Scheme
40 Arrests, 20 Convictions Later: Bladensburg Man With Fake ID Sentenced For $1.5M Fraud Scheme A Maryland man with more than 40 arrests and 20 convictions on his record is heading to federal prison after using a fake driver's license and stolen ID to help launder nearly $1.5 million, authorities announced. James Edward Williams Jr., 45, of Bladensburg, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering, according to the US Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland. Federal prosecutors said Williams played a key role in a scheme that moved hundreds of thousands of dollars through shell companies, fraudulent bank accounts, …
Maryland Postal Worker Stole $700K In Checks, Hid Nearly 200 Pieces Of Mail: Feds Maryland Postal Worker Stole $700K In Checks, Hid Nearly 200 Pieces Of Mail: Feds
Maryland Postal Worker Stole $700K In Checks, Hid Nearly 200 Pieces Of Mail: Feds A Maryland postal worker was busted with nearly 200 stolen pieces of mail and more than $700,000 in checks after investigators say he spent more than a year raiding the mail stream and funneling the money into his own bank accounts. Derrick Stewart, 34, admitted in federal court to a host of offenses tied to a sweeping check fraud scheme while working at a Baltimore USPS mail processing and distribution center, authorities announced Wednesday, May 20. According to the US Attorney’s Office, Stewart used his position at the postal facility between September 2022 and December 2023 to stea…
NY AG Letitia James, Hairdresser At Center Of New Federal Probe: Report NY AG Letitia James, Hairdresser At Center Of New Federal Probe: Report
NY AG Letitia James, Hairdresser At Center Of New Federal Probe: Report New York Attorney General Letitia James and her longtime hairdresser, Iyesata Marsh, are the focus of a newly opened federal investigation, according to a report published Friday, Jan. 9, by The New York Times. The alleged new probe is examining “financial transactions” connected to James and her political campaign. The federal investigation marks the third of its kind involving James, following two previous cases that were both dismissed. The nature of the latest inquiry has not been fully detailed, but it reportedly centers on financial transactions potentially involving James' campaign. …
How To Avoid Lottery, Prize Scams: You Didn’t Enter, But You 'Won'? How To Avoid Lottery, Prize Scams: You Didn’t Enter, But You 'Won'?
How To Avoid Lottery, Prize Scams: You Didn’t Enter, But You 'Won'? A surprise message says you hit the jackpot, but there’s a catch: you must pay a fee or hand over personal details to claim it.  That’s the hallmark of a lottery or prize scam—designed to separate you from your money and identity. These schemes often arrive by email, text, phone, or mail and lean on pressure tactics to force quick decisions.  Scammers frequently demand “taxes,” “processing,” or “shipping” upfront, or ask for sensitive data to “verify” you.  Legitimate lotteries do not require payment to release a prize, and you should never be asked for your Social Security…
Don't Fall For Automatic Withdrawal Scams: Here's What To Know Don't Fall For Automatic Withdrawal Scams: Here's What To Know
Don't Fall For Automatic Withdrawal Scams: Here's What To Know The latest trick to drain your checking account doesn’t require your debit card. Just your bank and routing numbers.  Fraudsters posing as prize promoters or special-offer reps convince victims to “verify” account details, then use that information to pull money out—often again and again. Here’s what to know to spot these schemes and protect your money. What They Are These scams hinge on a criminal getting your bank account and routing numbers, often from a check image, a cold call, a mailed postcard, or a too-good-to-be-true email. The criminal then initiates unauthorized autom…
Jimmy Kimmel Gets Last Laugh As Appeals Court Tosses George Santos’ Cameo Lawsuit Jimmy Kimmel Gets Last Laugh As Appeals Court Tosses George Santos’ Cameo Lawsuit
Jimmy Kimmel Gets Last Laugh As Appeals Court Tosses George Santos’ Cameo Lawsuit Looks like the joke’s on George Santos. A federal appeals court rejected the disgraced former New York congressman’s lawsuit against Jimmy Kimmel, siding with the late-night host over his use of Santos’ Cameo videos that were used on-air. In a ruling Monday, Sept. 15, the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan said Santos’ copyright infringement claims were properly rejected by a lower court. Santos had accused Kimmel and ABC of deceiving him into creating personalized videos on the Cameo app that were later broadcast on Jimmy Kimmel Live! as part of a recurring bit called “Will Sant…
Fake Amazon Recall Texts Prompt FTC Warning Fake Amazon Recall Texts Prompt FTC Warning
Fake Amazon Recall Texts Prompt FTC Warning The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is urging the public to ignore and delete a new wave of phishing texts that masquerade as recall notices from Amazon and dangle instant refunds. According to the agency’s consumer-protection unit, the messages claim a “routine quality inspection” found a defect in a recent Amazon purchase. Buyers can secure a full refund — no return required — simply by tapping a supplied link. In reality, there is no refund. Clicking routes victims to look-alike sites designed to harvest Amazon credentials, credit-card numbers, or other personal data that can be resold or…
NY Man Racked Up 67 Charges In Multi-Stop Wawa Fraud Scheme In DMV, Sheriff Says NY Man Racked Up 67 Charges In Multi-Stop Wawa Fraud Scheme In DMV, Sheriff Says
NY Man Racked Up 67 Charges In Multi-Stop Wawa Fraud Scheme In DMV, Sheriff Says A New York man racked up more than 60 charges after deputies busted him in a multi-stop fraud scheme at Wawa convenience stores in Virginia, authorities said. On Sunday, Aug. 24, at 9:14 p.m., deputies received a report from a California victim whose credit card was being used without permission at the Wawa at 105 Garrisonville Road, according to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators said surveillance cameras showed the suspect making 11 unauthorized transactions and leaving in a black Nissan. Deputies began canvassing other Wawa stores and learned the same suspect had made a…
Man Sharing Babe Ruth’s Name Accused Of Fraud Using Dead Ballplayers’ IDs Man Sharing Babe Ruth’s Name Accused Of Fraud Using Dead Ballplayers’ IDs
Man Sharing Babe Ruth’s Name Accused Of Fraud Using Dead Ballplayers’ IDs He shares a name with baseball’s greatest legend, but prosecutors say this “Babe Ruth” swung for a different kind of home run, by allegedly stealing the identities of hundreds of ballplayers, dead and retired. A federal grand jury in Greeneville, Tennessee, returned a sweeping 91-count indictment late last week, charging George Herman Ruth, age 69, with masterminding an elaborate fraud scheme that netted more than half a million dollars. Ruth, whose full name matches that of Hall of Famer Babe Ruth (who was born George Herman Ruth in 1895), stands accused of mail fraud, aggravated identity …
Phony Amazon Messages Target Shoppers With New Tricks: What To Know Now Phony Amazon Messages Target Shoppers With New Tricks: What To Know Now
Phony Amazon Messages Target Shoppers With New Tricks: What To Know Now That email claiming to be from Amazon about a mysterious order or urgent account issue? It could be a scammer’s trap waiting for you to click. Amazon users are being warned about a fresh wave of sophisticated scams hitting inboxes.  Fraudsters are sending emails and texts that look like they're from Amazon, often claiming something’s wrong with your account or a suspicious purchase has been made.  The messages urge you to click a link or call a customer service numbe, leading you straight into a scam. According to online security firm ExpressVPN, these phishing emails are design…
$1.4M Maryland Fraud: Couple Lived Large With Cruises, Exotic Birds, Home Renovations: Feds $1.4M Maryland Fraud: Couple Lived Large With Cruises, Exotic Birds, Home Renovations: Feds
$1.4M Maryland Fraud: Couple Lived Large With Cruises, Exotic Birds, Home Renovations: Feds A South Carolina husband and wife lived it up for more than a decade — jetting off on cruises, renovating their home, spoiling their pets, and racking up six figures at Walmart — all on the dime of a Maryland business they targeted in a $1.4 million fraud scheme, federal prosecutors said. Robin Joseph, 64, of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, was sentenced on Monday, July 28, to 39 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in the massive embezzlement and identity theft scheme, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. Joseph …
George Santos Surrenders To NJ Prison: Inside His New Life Behind Bars George Santos Surrenders To NJ Prison: Inside His New Life Behind Bars
George Santos Surrenders To NJ Prison: Inside His New Life Behind Bars Disgraced former New York Rep. George Santos is officially trading Cameo videos for commissary lines. The ousted lawmaker, 37, surrendered to Federal Correctional Institution Fairton in New Jersey on Friday, July 25, to begin serving his seven-year sentence for wire fraud and identity theft. And, true to form, Santos did not go quietly: “Well, darlings… The curtain falls, the spotlight dims, and the rhinestones are packed,” Santos told his 211,000 followers on X the night before. “From the halls of Congress to the chaos of cable news, what a ride it’s been! Was it messy? Always. Glamorous…
Cops Seek True ID Of Fake Nurse Who Used 20 Names, Stole Meds In Multiple States (UPDATE) Cops Seek True ID Of Fake Nurse Who Used 20 Names, Stole Meds In Multiple States (UPDATE)
Cops Seek True ID Of Fake Nurse Who Used 20 Names, Stole Meds In Multiple States (Update) A woman accused of posing as a nurse under 20 fake names and stealing prescription drugs from health care facilities across Pennsylvania and other states is now at the center of a growing criminal investigation — and police say they don’t even know who she really is. The woman has been charged under the name Shannon Nicole Womack, 39, but Pennsylvania State Police announced on Friday, July 25, that they are now seeking the public’s help in positively identifying her true legal name. Investigators have uncovered additional false identities since her April 2025 arrest, prompting police to rele…
NYPD Officer Steals $87K From Elderly Bank Clients For BMW, Aruba Trip: DA NYPD Officer Steals $87K From Elderly Bank Clients For BMW, Aruba Trip: DA
Nypd Officer Steals $87K From Elderly Bank Clients For BMW, Aruba Trip: DA An NYPD officer who previously worked at a Westchester bank has been charged in a sweeping financial crimes case accusing him of stealing over $85,000 from elderly customers and using the funds to pay for personal expenses—including a Caribbean vacation, luxury car payments, and fitness program subscriptions. Yeison Rodriguez Acosta, age 27, of Manhattan, was arraigned Thursday, July 17, in Rye City Court on a 30-count felony complaint stemming from a months-long investigation by the City of Rye Police Department and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, both agencies announced.…
$20M Insurance Fraud: Maryland Couple Running Massive Scam Learns Prison Fate $20M Insurance Fraud: Maryland Couple Running Massive Scam Learns Prison Fate
$20M Insurance Fraud: Maryland Couple Running Massive Scam Learns Prison Fate An elderly Maryland couple is heading to federal prison after orchestrating a massive $20 million insurance fraud and tax scheme. James William Wilson Jr., 78, and Maureen Ann Wilson, 77, of Owings Mills, were sentenced to a combined 16 years in prison for their roles in a years-long conspiracy to defraud life insurance companies and the IRS, federal authorities announced. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the Wilsons obtained more than 40 life insurance policies by misrepresenting the applicants' health, wealth, and existing coverage.  The death benefits f…
Virginia Man Wanted In Hit-Run Caught After Stairwell Struggle With Officers, Police Say Virginia Man Wanted In Hit-Run Caught After Stairwell Struggle With Officers, Police Say
Virginia Man Wanted In Hit-Run Caught After Stairwell Struggle With Officers, Police Say What started as a welfare check in a stairwell turned into a full-blown takedown of a wanted fugitive linked to a stolen car crash, drug possession, and a violent hit-and-run in Virginia. Police in Prince William County responding to a call for an unconscious man in an apartment stairwell ended up arresting a wanted fugitive tied to a stolen car crash, multiple property crimes, and a months-old hit-and-run that left a woman injured, officials said. Officers were called to the Bayvue Apartments in the 1300 block of E. Longview Drive in Woodbridge around 1:47 p.m. on Monday, July 7, to check …
$1.1M Medicaid Scam: Woman Used Overseas ‘Patients’ In Massive Kickback Scam $1.1M Medicaid Scam: Woman Used Overseas ‘Patients’ In Massive Kickback Scam
$1.1M Medicaid Scam: Woman Used Overseas ‘Patients’ In Massive Kickback Scam A Pennsylvania woman used patients who had moved overseas to help pull off a $1.1 million Medicaid scam involving fake home care services and kickbacks, federal prosecutors said in a sweeping national health care fraud takedown that uncovered more than $14.6 billion in schemes, the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced on Saturday, July 5. Hemal Patel, 59, of Bensalem (Bucks County), forged doctors’ signatures, stole personal identities, and pocketed kickbacks from a home care agency that billed Medicaid for fake services, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District …
Maryland Couple Stole $36K From Nonprofit Helping Blind, Deaf, Veterans: Sheriff Maryland Couple Stole $36K From Nonprofit Helping Blind, Deaf, Veterans: Sheriff
Maryland Couple Stole $36K From Nonprofit Helping Blind, Deaf, Veterans: Sheriff A Maryland couple is accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from a nonprofit that helps some of the state's most vulnerable residents. Melissa Funkhouser, 40, and her husband, Ronald Funkhouser, 43, both of Ridge, schemed for a year to siphon more than $36,000 from Lions Camp Merrick in Nanjemoy, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday, July 2. The camp is a nonprofit organization that serves the blind, deaf, diabetic, and veterans with PTSD. Melissa Funkhouser was hired in May 2023 after volunteering with the organization and had sole access to the nonprofit…
9 People Caught In North Korean Spy Plot That Conned US Companies To Fund Weapons Program: DOJ 9 People Caught In North Korean Spy Plot That Conned US Companies To Fund Weapons Program: DOJ
9 People Caught In North Korean Spy Plot That Conned US Companies To Fund Weapons Program: DOJ A New Jersey man and eight foreign nationals from China and Taiwan have been charged in Boston in what federal officials call a major scheme to secretly funnel money to North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction program. Zhenxing “Danny” Wang of New Jersey was arrested and accused of helping North Korean IT workers pose as Americans to get remote jobs with American companies, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  The workers allegedly used stolen identities to land jobs at major businesses, including a defense contractor. Authorities say this scam helped generate at least $5 million …
Billions Of Google, Facebook, Apple Passwords Breached In Potentially Record Hack Billions Of Google, Facebook, Apple Passwords Breached In Potentially Record Hack
Billions Of Google, Facebook, Apple Passwords Breached In Potentially Record Hack A newly discovered trove of stolen login credentials may represent the largest data breach in history, with billions of usernames and passwords now circulating online. Researchers with Cybernews uncovered more than 16 billion records spread across 30 databases, many of them tied to malware known as infostealers. The findings, published Wednesday, June 18, reveal that the leaked data spans social media platforms, business services, VPNs, and developer tools. The leaked datasets provide access to nearly every online service, including major platforms like Apple, Facebook, Google, GitHub, and…
Beware Of These Airport Mistakes, TSA Says Beware Of These Airport Mistakes, TSA Says
Beware Of These Airport Mistakes, TSA Says Think twice before you plug in or log on at the airport. Travelers who rely on free Wi-Fi or public charging stations could be putting their personal data at serious risk, federal officials say. In a warning aimed at cyber-safety during peak travel season, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) flagged two common behaviors that could make travelers targets for hackers: Avoid USB charging stations. Hackers can install malware at public ports — a method known as “juice jacking” or “port jacking.” Instead, use a TSA-compliant power bank or wall charger. Don’t trust public Wi-Fi. Ne…
$5.6M Multi-State Fraud Scheme With 1K+ Stolen IDs Lands Pennsylvania Man Federal Charges: DOJ $5.6M Multi-State Fraud Scheme With 1K+ Stolen IDs Lands Pennsylvania Man Federal Charges: DOJ
$5.6M Multi-State Fraud Scheme With 1K+ Stolen IDs Lands Pennsylvania Man Federal Charges: DOJ A Pennsylvania man is accused of stealing over $5.6 million in pandemic aid using more than 1,000 stolen or fake identities, federal prosecutors announced on Monday, June 16. Adepoju Babatunde Salako, 32, has been indicted in Colorado on multiple federal charges after allegedly orchestrating a nationwide COVID-19 benefits scam, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado. Salako faces six counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and four counts of aggravated identity theft, according to t…
Phony Texts Threaten Drivers With Suspensions: Here's What To Know Phony Texts Threaten Drivers With Suspensions: Here's What To Know
Phony Texts Threaten Drivers With Suspensions: Here's What To Know There’s a scam targeting drivers through text messages pretending to be from the DMV. Cybercriminals who once claimed victims owed unpaid tolls are now pivoting to a new phishing attack, according to authorities. If you’ve received a text message warning that your driver’s license is about to be suspended due to unpaid tickets, stop and think before you click. It might be a scam. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies are alerting the public about a new wave of phishing scams — specifically “smishing,” or fraudulent text messages — that claim to be from the Department of Motor Vehicles…
Massive Data Breach Exposes 184 Million Accounts: What To Know Massive Data Breach Exposes 184 Million Accounts: What To Know
Massive Data Breach Exposes 184 Million Accounts: What To Know A cybersecurity researcher has uncovered a massive trove of compromised login credentials, raising new alarms about the scope and scale of InfoStealer malware campaigns. The exposed Elasticsearch database contained more than 184 million unique usernames and passwords. It was not password-protected or encrypted, and it was publicly accessible when discovered earlier this month. The database included login details tied to popular platforms such as Microsoft, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.  It also contained services with potentially greater stakes, including banking portals, health …
Duo Passed Out On Busy DMV Bridge At Rush Hour Tried To Trick Cops — And Failed: Sheriff Duo Passed Out On Busy DMV Bridge At Rush Hour Tried To Trick Cops — And Failed: Sheriff
Duo Passed Out On Busy DMV Bridge At Rush Hour Tried To Trick Cops — And Failed: Sheriff A man and woman asleep on a busy Virginia bridge during rush hour on Thursday afternoon both tried to con deputies, and both failed spectacularly, according to the sheriff's office. Jayshon Bates, 23, and Ajae Jackson, 24, both of Stafford, reacted differently when members of the Stafford County Sheriff's Office responded to the Jessica Cheney Bridge, where there were multiple traffic complaints. The complaints started rolling in at around 4:30 p.m. on May 1. "While traffic on Garrisonville Road is usually backed up at this time, it was exacerbated due to the driver asleep behind the wheel…
Lyin’ King George Santos Sentenced To Prison In Final Act Of Political Circus Lyin’ King George Santos Sentenced To Prison In Final Act Of Political Circus
Lyin’ King George Santos Sentenced To Prison In Final Act Of Political Circus Disgraced former New York congressman and convicted fraudster George Santos is heading to federal prison. The Republican ex-lawmaker, 36, was sentenced to 87 months (just over 7 years) behind bars in Central Islip federal court on Friday, April 25, months after pleading guilty to wire fraud and identity theft.  As part of his plea agreement, Santos agreed to pay a $200,000 forfeiture and over $373,000 in restitution to his victims. Friday’s sentencing capped off one of the most bizarre chapters in American political history, one in which a sitting member of Congress was expelled and l…
Data Breach Exposed Driver's Licenses, Credit Cards Of Hertz Customers Data Breach Exposed Driver's Licenses, Credit Cards Of Hertz Customers
Data Breach Exposed Driver's Licenses, Credit Cards Of Hertz Customers Customers of car rental company Hertz may have had their personal information stolen after a data breach exposed driver's license numbers, credit card details, and other sensitive records. Hertz confirmed the breach involved data stored by Cleo Communications, a vendor used by Hertz for file transfers. Hackers exploited security flaws in Cleo's system in October and December 2024, according to the company. Hertz verified on Monday, Feb. 10, that an "unauthorized third party" accessed customer data. The company completed its investigation on Wednesday, April 2, and began notifying affec…
Kenyan Imposter Used Sister's ID To Illegally Enter US At Dulles Airport: CBP Kenyan Imposter Used Sister's ID To Illegally Enter US At Dulles Airport: CBP
Kenyan Imposter Used Sister's ID To Illegally Enter US At Dulles Airport: CBP A Kenyan woman who tried to sneak into the US through Washington Dulles International Airport using her sister’s passport has been removed from the country, federal authorities announced. Christin Nyabate Nyandemo, 33, was convicted of fraud and misuse of visas after being caught by US Customs and Border Protection officers in February, according to CBP. Nyandemo flew into Dulles from Accra, Ghana, and attempted to enter the country using her sister’s valid Kenyan passport and US visitor visa, officials said.  During secondary screening, she struggled to answer simple questions about …
Fraudulent Texts Pretend To Be From USPS Fraudulent Texts Pretend To Be From USPS
Fraudulent Texts Pretend To Be From USPS A new scam is targeting people with fraudulent text messages pretending to be from the United States Postal Service (USPS) — and officials are urging caution. The US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) is warning customers about a rise in phishing and smishing attacks, where fraudsters send fake texts and emails that appear to come from USPS. The messages often claim that a package is delayed or that a payment is due, directing recipients to click a link that steals personal information. Postal inspectors say these scams are becoming more advanced, but there are clear warning signs: Smishi…
Ex-Ravens Assistant Coach Accused In Hacking Scandal Allegedly Targeting Athletes Ex-Ravens Assistant Coach Accused In Hacking Scandal Allegedly Targeting Athletes
Ex-Ravens Assistant Coach Accused In Hacking Scandal Allegedly Targeting Athletes In a striking development that has captured national attention, a former NFL and collegiate football coach has been accused of hacking into computers at over 100 colleges and universities to gain access of intimate photos of students, allegedly targeting female athletes. The accused is Matthew Weiss, age 42, a Connecticut native from Cheshire, who previously served as co-offensive coordinator at the University of Michigan.  Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck announced the charges on Thursday, March 20. They include 14 counts of unauthorized access to computers and 10 counts of…
Online Scammers Using This Method To Steal Personal Info, FBI Says Online Scammers Using This Method To Steal Personal Info, FBI Says
Online Scammers Using This Method To Steal Personal Info, FBI Says The FBI has issued a warning about cybercriminals exploiting victims to distribute malware and steal personal information. ​ Fraudulent free online file converter tools offer services like converting or merging files—such as transforming a .doc file to a .pdf or combining multiple images into a single document. While they perform the advertised tasks, they may also install hidden malware on users' computers.  This malware can grant criminals access to sensitive data, including Social Security numbers, banking details, cryptocurrency information, email addresses, and passwords.  …