Tag:

Identity theft

Delete These Suspicious Texts Immediately, FBI Warns Delete These Suspicious Texts Immediately, FBI Warns
Delete These Suspicious Texts Immediately, FBI Warns The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued an urgent warning about a widespread text message scam designed to steal personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims. Known as “smishing” (SMS phishing), the scam involves fraudulent texts impersonating toll and package delivery services to trick recipients into clicking malicious links or revealing sensitive data. According to cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42, cybercriminals have registered over 10,000 fraudulent domains as part of this operation, targeting at least 11 states and one Canadian province. Key…
Alert Issued For USPS Scam Text: Here's What To Know Alert Issued For USPS Scam Text: Here's What To Know
Alert Issued For USPS Scam Text: Here's What To Know 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. How To Identify A Fake USPS Message Postal inspectors say these scams are becoming more advanced, but ther…
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…
Scammers Impersonating IRS With These Texts: Here's What To Know Scammers Impersonating IRS With These Texts: Here's What To Know
Scammers Impersonating IRS With These Texts: Here's What To Know A new scam is making the rounds, with fraudsters posing as Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents and sending text messages promising a substantial rebate.  The trap is a phishing attempt designed to steal your personal and financial information. What’s Happening? The fraudulent messages claim recipients are eligible for a $1,400 stimulus check, directing them to click on a fake link to “claim” their payment.  How The Scam Works You receive a text message appearing to be from the IRS, stating that you’re owed an Economic Impact Payment and must provide personal information …
State Workers Steal Debit Card Info From Disabled Residents In Capital Region, Police Say State Workers Steal Debit Card Info From Disabled Residents In Capital Region, Police Say
State Workers Steal Debit Card Info From Disabled Residents In Capital Region, Police Say Three New York State employees are accused of stealing money from developmentally disabled residents in the Capital Region. The women, all employees at the Capital District Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO) in Clifton Park, were arrested on suspicion of fraud and larceny-related charges following an investigation by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday, Jan. 26. Officials identified the defendants as: Lashea Pettway, 30, of Schenectady Jessie Gabriel, 34, of Schenectady Christin McGrath, 45, of Selkirk An investigation found that all three women stole debit card …
Equifax Fined $15M For Inaccurate Credit Scores Days After NY Settlement: CFPB Equifax Fined $15M For Inaccurate Credit Scores Days After NY Settlement: CFPB
Equifax Fined $15M For Inaccurate Credit Scores Days After NY Settlement: Cfpb One of the nation’s largest credit reporting agencies has been fined $15 million for issuing inaccurate credit scores and failing to properly investigate consumer disputes, officials said. Equifax will pay the fine into the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's victims relief fund, the federal agency said in a news release on Friday, Jan. 17. The CFPB's investigation found Equifax ignored critical evidence submitted by consumers disputing inaccuracies in their credit reports. According to the CFPB, Equifax also allowed deleted errors to resurface and relied on flaw…
$50K Scheme: Man Accused Of Stealing Funds From Victim's Bank Account In Capital Region $50K Scheme: Man Accused Of Stealing Funds From Victim's Bank Account In Capital Region
$50K Scheme: Man Accused Of Stealing Funds From Victim's Bank Account In Capital Region A 56-year-old man is accused of stealing more than $50,000 from an Albany County resident’s bank account in a string of unauthorized transactions, authorities said. New York City resident Steven M. Price was arrested on Thursday, Dec. 19, following an investigation that began on Tuesday, Sept. 17, when an Albany County resident reported the theft, New York State Police announced on Thursday, Dec. 26.  The investigation revealed that Price allegedly carried out numerous unauthorized withdrawals from the victim’s account during September 2023, police said.  Price was arrested in Ne…
Santos Spills: Viral Milkshake Attack Was Planned Publicity Stunt, Ousted NY Rep. Confesses Santos Spills: Viral Milkshake Attack Was Planned Publicity Stunt, Ousted NY Rep. Confesses
Santos Spills: Viral Milkshake Attack Was Planned Publicity Stunt, Ousted NY Rep. Confesses Turns out this milkshake drama was all whipped up. A video appearing to show disgraced former New York congressman George Santos being doused in ice cream in Times Square went viral over the weekend. The clip, which had been viewed millions of times on X, shows the 36-year-old convicted felon being accosted by a man seemingly outraged that Santos has “the audacity to show his face.” Watch video of the incident below. After getting the ex-Long Island congressman’s attention, the man tosses a milkshake all over Santos' jacket and asks, “How do you like that?” “You are un-[expletive] believ…
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…
NY Rep. D’Esposito Denies Scathing Report He Gave Mistress, Fiancée’s Daughter Jobs NY Rep. D’Esposito Denies Scathing Report He Gave Mistress, Fiancée’s Daughter Jobs
NY Rep. D’Esposito Denies Scathing Report He Gave Mistress, Fiancée’s Daughter Jobs New York Rep. Anthony D’Esposito is vowing to stay in his congressional race following a scathing New York Times report alleging he gave his mistress and his fiancée’s daughter jobs in his district office. The Long Island Republican, age 42, hired the pair shortly after being elected to his 4th District seat in 2023 and paid them nearly $30,000 in taxpayer funds in a violation of House ethics rules, the outlet reports. New York’s 4th congressional district covers central and southern Nassau County, including Elmont, Hempstead, and Valley Stream. Asked whether the New York Times report was …
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…
Ousted NY Rep. George Santos  Likely To Face Prison After Pleading Guilty In Fraud Case Ousted NY Rep. George Santos  Likely To Face Prison After Pleading Guilty In Fraud Case
Ousted NY 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-NY Rep. Santos To Plead Guilty In Federal Trial: Reports Ex-NY Rep. Santos To Plead Guilty In Federal Trial: Reports
Ex-NY 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 …
Ex-Rep Santos Celebrates 'Squad' Member's 'Humiliating' Loss: 'We're Coming To Get You' Ex-Rep Santos Celebrates 'Squad' Member's 'Humiliating' Loss: 'We're Coming To Get You'
Ex-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 …
$1.6M Fraud Scheme: Capital Region Man Admits Role In Unemployment Insurance Scam $1.6M Fraud Scheme: Capital Region Man Admits Role In Unemployment Insurance Scam
$1.6M Fraud Scheme: Capital Region Man Admits Role In Unemployment Insurance Scam A man from the region admitted to taking part in a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme that targeted unemployment insurance benefits. Rensselaer County resident Todd Ward, age 45, of Troy, pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) in Albany federal court in late June 2024. Prosecutors said Ward confessed to providing co-conspirator Carl DiVeglia with the personal identifying information of another individual, which DiVeglia then used to file a false claim on the NYSDOL website. Earlier Report: Former State Employee From Albany Pleads Guilty…
George Santos Launches OnlyFans Account: 'The Moment You've All Been Waiting For' George Santos Launches OnlyFans Account: 'The Moment You've All Been Waiting For'
George Santos Launches OnlyFans Account: 'The Moment You've All Been Waiting For' Disgraced former New York Rep. George Santos announced that he now has an OnlyFans account where subscribers can get “full behind-the-scenes access” for $30 a month. The ex-lawmaker, a Republican from Long Island, served 11 months before he was ousted from his 3rd District seat representing parts of Nassau County and Queens. Since then, the admitted liar has stayed firmly in the public eye, appearing on internet shows, launching a Cameo account (which led to Santos suing late-night host Jimmy Kimmel), and even allegedly working on a documentary and a reality show. His next venture?…
Attempted Bank Fraud: 1 Suspect Captured, 1 On The Run In Hudson Valley Attempted Bank Fraud: 1 Suspect Captured, 1 On The Run In Hudson Valley
Attempted Bank Fraud: 1 Suspect Captured, 1 On The Run In Hudson Valley A 34-year-old man has been charged with felony grand larceny and identity theft after allegedly attempting to withdraw $45,000 from a bank account that did not belong to him. The incident occurred in Rockland County on Wednesday, April 10 at the Affinity Federal Credit Union in Nanuet. According to Detective Norman Peters with the Clarkstown Police, Hanlin Yang of Virginia and a woman arrived at the bank and attempted to make a money transfer of $45,000 from an account.  Peters said Yang and the woman became "agitated" and left the area as bank officials attempted to verify the identi…
Woman Stalks Capital Region Victim For Months, Files False Child Abuse Claims, Police Say Woman Stalks Capital Region Victim For Months, Files False Child Abuse Claims, Police Say
Woman Stalks Capital Region Victim For Months, Files False Child Abuse Claims, Police Say A woman from the region is accused of stalking a person for months, stealing their identity, and wrongly accusing them of child abuse. Rensselaer County resident Nacirema Harris, age 28, of Troy, was arraigned on more than a dozen charges, including burglary and identity theft, in Albany County Court on Friday, March 8. New York State Police said troopers began investigating the case in January 2024. After determining that Harris had followed the victim in both Troy and Albany, they obtained a warrant to search her Troy residence. Further investigation determined that Harris targeted the v…
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 …
Exiled Congressman Turned Reality TV Star? 2 George Santos Productions In Works, He Claims Exiled Congressman Turned Reality TV Star? 2 George Santos Productions In Works, He Claims
Exiled Congressman Turned Reality TV Star? 2 George Santos Productions In Works, He Claims If disgraced former New York congressman and admitted liar George Santos is to be believed, you haven’t seen the last of him. The Republican ex-lawmaker told City & State New York he’s been busy working on both a documentary and a reality TV show since being ousted from his 3rd District House seat representing parts of Nassau County and Queens. “So there’s just so many things that I’m working on now that I prefer to engage in instead of going into a messy primary to take on (newly sworn-in Democratic Rep.) Tom Suozzi,” Santos told the outlet. Earlier Report: Not Laughi…
Scammer Posing As Priest, Soliciting Gift Cards From Victims In Hudson Valley: Police Scammer Posing As Priest, Soliciting Gift Cards From Victims In Hudson Valley: Police
Scammer Posing As Priest, Soliciting Gift Cards From Victims In Hudson Valley: Police Authorities in the Hudson Valley are continuing to warn residents of a scammer who has been posing as a local priest to convince victims to purchase gift cards for them.  The warning was issued on Wednesday, Jan. 10 by the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, which said the scammer is continuing to "exploit the generosity of our community."  According to the Sheriff's Office, the scammer has been posing as a local priest over phone calls to solicit gift cards from victims. Those who receive such a call are warned to verify the identity of the person or organization claiming to be on th…
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 …
Medical Company Data Breach: Affected NY Residents Warned Of Potential Identity Theft Medical Company Data Breach: Affected NY Residents Warned Of Potential Identity Theft
Medical Company Data Breach: Affected NY Residents Warned Of Potential Identity Theft Millions of New Yorkers are being warned by Attorney General Leticia James to protect themselves against identity theft following a data breach at a medical transcription company.  The warning, issued by James on Tuesday, Nov. 28, urges New York residents to take action to prevent their identities from being stolen in the midst of a data breach at medical transcription company Perry Johnson & Associates.  The Nevada-based company, which provides transcription services to healthcare organizations and physicians to help them dictate and transcribe patient notes, first becam…
Santos Saga: Ethics Committee Won’t Recommend Punishment For Embattled NY Rep, Report Says Santos Saga: Ethics Committee Won’t Recommend Punishment For Embattled NY Rep, Report Says
Santos Saga: Ethics Committee Won’t Recommend Punishment For Embattled NY Rep, Report Says After months of investigating embattled New York Rep. George Santos, the House Ethics Committee won’t recommend any punishment for the freshman lawmaker, ABC News reports. Instead, the ten-member committee, made up of five Republicans and five Democrats, will leave any disciplinary actions up to the House as a whole, Chair Michael Guest told the outlet. Santos, a Long Island Republican whose 3rd District includes parts of Nassau County and Queens, found himself in the committee’s sights in March 2023 after admitting that he lied about much of his background on the campaign trail. Earlier…
George Santos Campaign Staffer Admits Defrauding Donors By Impersonating Speaker's Aide George Santos Campaign Staffer Admits Defrauding Donors By Impersonating Speaker's Aide
George Santos Campaign Staffer Admits Defrauding Donors By Impersonating Speaker's Aide A campaign staffer who worked to elect New York Rep. George Santos has confessed to impersonating a high-level Congressional aide in order to raise money for him and line his own pockets. Samuel Miele, age 27, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in Central Islip federal court on Tuesday, Nov. 14. Miele was a fundraiser for Santos’ congressional campaigns in both 2020 and 2022, according to the US Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District. Earlier Report: George Santos Pleads Not Guilty To 10 New Federal Charges; Here's When He'll Stand Trial Santos ran as a Republican and was elected to …
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…
New Yorkers At Risk Of Scam Calls, Attorney General Warns New Yorkers At Risk Of Scam Calls, Attorney General Warns
New Yorkers At Risk Of Scam Calls, Attorney General Warns As New Yorkers across the state report being contacted by scammers impersonating their banks, officials are cautioning consumers to keep their eyes peeled. In a statement on Friday, Oct. 27, NY Attorney General Letitia James provided tips to avoid getting scammed by callers pretending to be bank or government officials. “Scammers claiming to be a trusted bank, or any institution relied on for financial services, can seriously harm New Yorkers by taking their money and their personal information,” she said. James said the Office of the Attorney General has been receiving calls from New Y…
George Santos Pleads Not Guilty To 10 New Federal Charges; Here's When He'll Stand Trial George Santos Pleads Not Guilty To 10 New Federal Charges; Here's When He'll Stand Trial
George Santos Pleads Not Guilty To 10 New Federal Charges; Here's When He'll Stand Trial Beleaguered New York Rep. George Santos was back in a federal courtroom to formally answer to a host of new fraud charges. The Republican lawmaker, whose 3rd District on Long Island includes parts of Nassau County and Queens, pleaded not guilty to 10 new counts in US District Court in Central Islip on Friday, Oct. 27. Judge Joanna Seybert set a trial date for Thursday, Sept. 9, 2024. Earlier Report: George Santos Stole Thousands From Donors, Inflated Fundraising Totals, New Indictment Alleges In their 23-count superseding indictment, which includes allegations of wire fraud and ident…
George Santos Stole Thousands From Donors, Inflated Fundraising Totals, New Indictment Alleges George Santos Stole Thousands From Donors, Inflated Fundraising Totals, New Indictment Alleges
George Santos Stole Thousands From Donors, Inflated Fundraising Totals, New Indictment Alleges Federal prosecutors have slapped embattled New York Congressman George Santos with an array of additional criminal charges just days after his ex-campaign treasurer implicated him in an alleged scheme to dupe donors. In a 23-count superseding indictment filed in US District Court in the Eastern District on Tuesday, Oct. 10, prosecutors outlined two new schemes that allegedly helped the freshman Republican lawmaker cheat his way into office. The first, dubbed the “Credit Card Fraud Scheme,” allegedly took place between December 2021 and August 2022. Prosecutors say Santos stole the personal …
George Santos' Ex-Campaign Treasurer Admits Role In Reporting Thousands In Fictional Loans George Santos' Ex-Campaign Treasurer Admits Role In Reporting Thousands In Fictional Loans
George Santos' Ex-Campaign Treasurer Admits Role In Reporting Thousands In Fictional Loans The woman who once oversaw the finances of embattled New York Rep. George Santos’ congressional campaign has confessed to filing fictional finance reports on his behalf, saying he was well aware of the scheme. Nancy Marks, a former campaign treasurer during Santos’ two congressional bids, pleaded guilty to a felony count of conspiracy to defraud the United States in federal court in Central Islip on Thursday, Oct. 5. She admitted that she and Santos, a Republican whose 3rd District represents parts of Nassau County and Queens, recorded phony campaign finance reports stating that Santos had…