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Man Hid $13M In NFT Sales, Flaunted Travel Pics As Girlfriend Asked For Pageant Donations: DOJ Man Hid $13M In NFT Sales, Flaunted Travel Pics As Girlfriend Asked For Pageant Donations: DOJ
Man Hid $13M In NFT Sales, Flaunted Travel Pics As Girlfriend Asked For Pageant Donations: DOJ A Pennsylvania man who hid millions from the IRS through secret NFT sales—while his girlfriend publicly asked for pageant donations for her daughter—has now been sentenced to prison, federal authorities and social media posts show. Waylon Wilcox, 46, of Dillsburg, was sentenced to 12 months in prison and ordered to pay a $300,400 fine by Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Wilcox had previously paid the IRS $3,305,238 in back taxes, plus $981,583.30 in interest, auth…

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by Jillian Pikora
Business
$200M Bitcoin Ponzi Scheme That Duped 90K Investors Ends With Prison Time For CEO In Virginia $200M Bitcoin Ponzi Scheme That Duped 90K Investors Ends With Prison Time For CEO In Virginia
$200M Bitcoin Ponzi Scheme That Duped 90K Investors Ends With Prison Time For CEO In Virginia A $200 million bitcoin Ponzi scheme that ripped off more than 90,000 investors worldwide has landed its CEO behind bars for 20 years in Virginia. Ramil Ventura Palafox, 61, a dual citizen of the United States and the Philippines, was sentenced in federal court in Alexandria on Thursday, Feb. 12, after being convicted of wire fraud and money laundering for operating what prosecutors described as a massive cryptocurrency fraud. The scheme funneled more than $201,000,000 into Praetorian Group International (PGI), a company Palafox owned and promoted, according to the US Attorney’s Office for t…

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by Zak Failla
Sports
Super Bowl Champ Wendell Smallwood Jr. Sentenced For COVID-19, Tax Fraud Super Bowl Champ Wendell Smallwood Jr. Sentenced For COVID-19, Tax Fraud
Super Bowl Champ Wendell Smallwood Jr. Sentenced For Covid-19, Tax Fraud Wendell Smallwood Jr., a former Philadelphia Eagles running back and Super Bowl champion, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the IRS in Wilmington, Delaware, on Thursday, Sept. 18, according to federal court documents obtained by Daily Voice. U.S. District Senior Judge Richard G. Andrews also ordered Smallwood, 31, to repay the government $645,000. The punishment comes after Smallwood pleaded guilty in December 2024 to orchestrating schemes that defrauded COVID-19 relief programs and the IRS. Smallwood earned about…

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by Jillian Pikora
News
$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…

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by Zak Failla
News
$17M Scam Funded Mini-Golf Course, Luxury Homes For Wealth Adviser: DOJ $17M Scam Funded Mini-Golf Course, Luxury Homes For Wealth Adviser: DOJ
$17M Scam Funded Mini-Golf Course, Luxury Homes For Wealth Adviser: DOJ A Main Line investment adviser stole millions from clients—including friends, relatives, and retirees—to bankroll a luxury lifestyle and buy into a Jersey Shore mini-golf course, the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced on Saturday, July 5.  Scott Mason, 66, of Gladwyne, was sentenced on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, to eight years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a sweeping fraud scheme that lasted over a decade. The Department of Justice says Mason stole more than $17 million while running his firm, Rubicon Wealth Management LLC, and never reported a cent to the IRS. Inste…

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by Jillian Pikora
News
IRS Scam Busted: $93M COVID Fraud Tied To Attempted Hit On Alleged Mastermind IRS Scam Busted: $93M COVID Fraud Tied To Attempted Hit On Alleged Mastermind
IRS Scam Busted: $93M COVID Fraud Tied To Attempted Hit On Alleged Mastermind It started with a fake business. It ended with a shootout in broad daylight. Four people are facing federal charges in what prosecutors call the largest COVID-19 tax credit fraud scheme ever identified.  This $93 million operation allegedly involved fake companies, kickbacks, and a botched attempt to silence the ringleader. The sprawling indictment, unsealed in Los Angeles, details an alleged conspiracy to defraud the IRS by submitting false claims for Coronavirus Response Credits.  These federal tax refunds were designed to help small businesses cover sick and family leave wage…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
IRS Issues Tax Notification That Could Affect Millions IRS Issues Tax Notification That Could Affect Millions
IRS Issues Tax Notification That Could Affect Millions A key federal tax deadline is fast approaching, and it could affect millions of Americans. The IRS is reminding taxpayers that second-quarter estimated tax payments are due Monday, June 16, and that failing to file on time could result in penalties. Those most likely to be impacted include Americans earning income not subject to withholding. This group consists of self-employed workers, freelancers, gig workers, small business owners, investors, and retirees. Corporations are also required to pay. The IRS notes that payments are expected from: Individuals expecting to owe at least $1,000…

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by Joe Lombardi
Lifestyle
IRS Sending Out Billions In Tax Refunds: Here's When Yours Will Arrive IRS Sending Out Billions In Tax Refunds: Here's When Yours Will Arrive
IRS Sending Out Billions In Tax Refunds: Here's When Yours Will Arrive Tax Day is behind us. Now comes the only thing better—refund season. The IRS is churning through millions of returns, and for many, that long-awaited deposit could land any day now. For weeks, federal officials have been processing millions of tax returns, and many taxpayers can expect to receive their refunds in the coming weeks as the calendar turns to June.  "The Internal Revenue Service encourages taxpayers living and working abroad to file their 2024 federal income tax return and pay any tax due by Monday, June 16, 2025," officials said. Since June 15 falls on a Sunday in 2025, …

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by Zak Failla
News
MD's Foster Care System Ranked Outside US Top 10, New Study Says: Here's Why MD's Foster Care System Ranked Outside US Top 10, New Study Says: Here's Why
MD's Foster Care System Ranked Outside US Top 10, New Study Says: Here's Why Northeast and mid-Atlantic states showed wide disparities in foster care quality, with some ranking among the nation's best and others falling behind, according to a new study. SmileHub released its 2025 list of States With the Best Foster Care Systems on Tuesday, April 29. The study analyzed every state using 19 key foster care metrics, from adoption timelines and high school graduation rates to monthly stipends. The ranking used a weighted scoring system across three categories: foster youth baselines, community environment and support systems, and legal support. …

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by Chris Spiker
News
Did You Miss Tax Day Filing Deadline? Here's What IRS Wants You To Know Did You Miss Tax Day Filing Deadline? Here's What IRS Wants You To Know
Did You Miss Tax Day Filing Deadline? Here's What IRS Wants You To Know Miss the Tax Day deadline? The IRS says you need to file now to avoid steeper penalties and growing interest. Even if you can’t afford to pay your full tax bill now, the IRS recommends filing anyway. The penalty for failing to file is typically much higher than the penalty for failing to pay. Paying what you can now can help minimize the total amount due. File Now, Pay What You Can If you owe taxes and didn’t request an extension, interest and penalties began accruing as of April 16. The IRS offers multiple secure payment options through IRS.gov, including: IRS Direct Pay Electronic Fede…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
MD Among 10 Best States For Supporting Immigrants, New Study Says: Here's Why MD Among 10 Best States For Supporting Immigrants, New Study Says: Here's Why
MD Among 10 Best States For Supporting Immigrants, New Study Says: Here's Why A new study says some mid-Atlantic states are among the nation's leaders for having the best conditions for immigrants. Virginia ranked No. 1 as the most welcoming state for immigrants, while Arizona was named the worst, according to the study from SmileHub. The report evaluated states on 17 key factors, including the share of immigrants, job opportunities, and legal protections. The study was released as concerns rise over the Trump administration's crackdown on undocumented migrants, which is also increasing fears among immigrants legally in the US. "Over 51 million immigrants live …

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by Chris Spiker
News
$1 Billion In Refunds Haven't Been Claimed, IRS Says: Here's Who's Eligible $1 Billion In Refunds Haven't Been Claimed, IRS Says: Here's Who's Eligible
$1 Billion In Refunds Haven't Been Claimed, IRS Says: Here's Who's Eligible More than 1.1 million Americans are owed a share of over $1 billion in unclaimed tax refunds, but time is running out to collect, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced. Taxpayers have until Tuesday, April 15, to file their returns and claim their refunds before the money is forfeited to the US Treasury. The IRS estimates that the median refund is $781, meaning half of the refunds are higher and half are lower. Who’s Eligible? Many of those who haven't filed may be due more than just their refund. The IRS warns that low- and moderate-income taxpayers could also be missing out on …

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by Joe Lombardi
News
IRS Issues Warning For These Taxpayer Scams IRS Issues Warning For These Taxpayer Scams
IRS Issues Warning For These Taxpayer Scams A new warning from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has taxpayers on high alert as the agency unveils its 2025 Dirty Dozen — a list of the most common and deceptive tax scams that could put financial and personal information at risk. With tax season in full swing, scammers are ramping up efforts to steal money, sensitive data, and even taxpayer identities. From fake tax credits to social media-fueled misinformation, the schemes on this year’s list serve as a reminder that fraudsters are constantly evolving their tactics. What Is the Dirty Dozen? Each year, the IRS compiles the Dirty Doze…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
IRS Announces These Changes For 2025 Filing Season IRS Announces These Changes For 2025 Filing Season
IRS Announces These Changes For 2025 Filing Season As the 2025 tax filing season progresses, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has outlined key updates taxpayers need to know when preparing their 2024 returns.  These changes affect deductions, tax credits, filing deadlines, and eligibility for various tax benefits. Key Filing Updates and Deadlines The deadline for submitting Form 1040 or 1040-SR for the 2024 tax year is Tuesday, April 15.  Taxpayers are urged to wait until they receive all necessary documents before filing to avoid processing delays or errors. The IRS also recommends creating an IRS Online Account for secu…

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by Joe Lombardi
Politics
$5K DOGE Rebate Checks For Americans? Musk, Trump Tease Possible Plan $5K DOGE Rebate Checks For Americans? Musk, Trump Tease Possible Plan
$5K Doge Rebate Checks For Americans? Musk, Trump Tease Possible Plan President Donald Trump is floating the idea of a potential $5,000 rebate for American households, following a suggestion from billionaire Elon Musk that taxpayers should benefit from cost-cutting measures at the federal level. Trump’s remarks came Wednesday, Feb. 19 Miami Beach, Florida, after Musk posted on X that he would “check with the President” about a proposal to distribute tax refund checks funded by savings from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).  The idea was originally suggested by James Fishback, CEO of Azoria Investment, who referred to it as a “DOGE Dividend.…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
American Express To Pay $230M For Misleading Small Business Customers American Express To Pay $230M For Misleading Small Business Customers
American Express To Pay $230M For Misleading Small Business Customers American Express said it will pay $230 million to resolve federal investigations into deceptive sales tactics and recordkeeping violations involving small business credit card and wire transfer products. The credit card company agreed to pay a $108.7 million civil penalty, the Department of Justice said in a news release on Thursday, Jan. 16. The settlement resolved claims against American Express of deceptive marketing and "dummy" account information. American Express was accused of engaging in unlawful sales tactics and falsifying records between 2014 and 2021. "When financial companies …

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by Chris Spiker
News
2025 Tax Season Begins: What You Need To Know About Expanded Options, New Tools 2025 Tax Season Begins: What You Need To Know About Expanded Options, New Tools
2025 Tax Season Begins: What You Need To Know About Expanded Options, New Tools Early filers, get ready. The 2025 tax season is here! The IRS will start accepting and processing tax returns on Monday, Jan. 27, the agency said in a news release. IRS Free File also became available on Friday, Jan. 10 to taxpayers who qualify through private-sector partners. With more than 140 million tax returns expected, the IRS urged taxpayers to take advantage of updated online resources and consider using trusted tax preparers to avoid scams. "This has been a historic period of improvement for the IRS, and people will see additional tools and features to help them with filing their …

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by Chris Spiker
News
IRS Sending Special Payments To 1 Million Americans: Here's What To Know IRS Sending Special Payments To 1 Million Americans: Here's What To Know
IRS Sending Special Payments To 1 Million Americans: Here's What To Know The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced it will issue automatic payments this month to nearly one million taxpayers who didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns.  These payments aim to assist eligible individuals who missed claiming the credit, which provides up to $1,400 per person for those who didn’t receive the full amount of their Economic Impact Payments (EIPs). Who Will Receive Payments? Eligible taxpayers include those who filed a 2021 tax return but either left the Recovery Rebate Credit field blank or entered $0 despite qualifying. Payments wil…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Holiday Deals Or Fraud? IRS Issues Warning For These Scams Holiday Deals Or Fraud? IRS Issues Warning For These Scams
Holiday Deals Or Fraud? IRS Issues Warning For These Scams As the holiday shopping season begins, the IRS reminds everyone that it’s not just your credit card balance you need to watch — it’s also your personal information. As part of its ninth annual National Tax Security Awareness Week, the IRS is warning taxpayers about a rise in holiday scams.  The scammers aren’t interested in gifts under your tree; they’re after your Social Security number and financial information instead. Here’s how scammers are getting creative—and how you can stay safe: Phishing Emails: Be wary of emails pretending to be from reputable retailers, shipping companie…

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by Joe Lombardi
Politics
Politicians Speak Out After Council Member Arrested On Bribery Charges Politicians Speak Out After Council Member Arrested On Bribery Charges
Politicians Speak Out After Council Member Arrested On Bribery Charges There has been an outcry from elected officials in Washington after DC Council Member Trayon White, Sr. was arrested in connection to a bribery investigation. White, who represents Ward 8, was arrested this week on the federal charge following an investigation into the bribery claims. The 40-year-old Democrat, who is the Chair of the Council’s Committee on Recreation, Libraries and Youth Affairs, which oversees several agencies including the DC Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services is charged with accepting more than $150,000 in bribes. The complaint alleges that, beginning in J…

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by Zak Failla