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Credit Card Fraud

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$5M Fraud: NY Twin Financiers Threatened Witnesses, Fabricated Evidence, DOJ Says $5M Fraud: NY Twin Financiers Threatened Witnesses, Fabricated Evidence, DOJ Says
$5M Fraud: NY Twin Financiers Threatened Witnesses, Fabricated Evidence, DOJ Says Twin financiers Adam and Daniel Kaplan, already charged with defrauding elderly and disabled clients out of millions, are now accused of threatening witnesses and fabricating evidence. The 35-year-old Kaplans, hailing from Long Island’s Great Neck, are named in a fresh superseding indictment that was filed in Central Islip federal court on Thursday, Feb. 20, charging them with an additional count of money laundering. Adam Kaplan was additionally charged with wire fraud, bank fraud, and obstruction of justice, according to the US Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District. The new charges pa…

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by Michael Mashburn
Police & Fire
$40K Scheme: Former Preschool CFO Misuses Company Card In Hudson Valley, Police Say $40K Scheme: Former Preschool CFO Misuses Company Card In Hudson Valley, Police Say
$40K Scheme: Former Preschool CFO Misuses Company Card In Hudson Valley, Police Say The former Chief Financial Officer of an Orange County preschool has been accused of misusing company credit cards for over $40,000 in personal expenses, authorities announced.  Westtown resident Mariann DeBlock, also known as Mariann Weymer and by her former name of Mariann McCarthy, was arrested following an investigation into unauthorized credit card transactions at the Field of Dreams Preschool in Slate Hill, the Orange County Sheriff's Office announced on Thursday, Feb. 13.  DeBlock, age 39, is accused of using company-issued credit cards to make personal …

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Dutchess County Bartender Busted Increasing Tips On Credit Cards, Police Say Dutchess County Bartender Busted Increasing Tips On Credit Cards, Police Say
Dutchess County Bartender Busted Increasing Tips On Credit Cards, Police Say A bartender in the region was busted for allegedly increasing tip amounts on credit cards to increase her pay. Dutchess County resident Melissa Dinsmore, 33, of Wappinger, was charged by the New York State Police on Friday, Sept. 20. According to Trooper AJ Hicks, the owner of the Publick House Restaurant and Bar in Pleasant Valley alerted police to the possible crime after being notified of the fraud by a customer. An investigation determined that Dinsmore, while working as both a server and bartender, fraudulently increased tip amounts entered by her customers who utilized credit cards t…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Man Nabbed After Making Purchases With Stolen Credit Card In Hudson Valley: Police Man Nabbed After Making Purchases With Stolen Credit Card In Hudson Valley: Police
Man Nabbed After Making Purchases With Stolen Credit Card In Hudson Valley: Police A man faces criminal charges after using a stolen credit card to make a purchase at a Hudson Valley deli. Lydon S. Peters was arrested in Putnam County on Thursday, March 28 after using a stolen credit card to make a purchase at the Route 6 Deli in Mahopac, the Carmel Police Department announced.  According to the department, Peters' arrest resulted from an investigation into several similar incidents reported throughout the area beginning on Tuesday, March 26.  These incidents consisted of male suspects entering gas stations or delis and trying to purchase cigarettes with stolen…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Hudson Valley Man Charges $1K In Goods To Former Friend's Credit Cards Hudson Valley Man Charges $1K In Goods To Former Friend's Credit Cards
Hudson Valley Man Charges $1K In Goods To Former Friend's Credit Cards A Hudson Valley man has been charged with identity theft after allegedly using a former friend's credit card information to make purchases.  Orange County resident Gustavo W. Gonzalez, age 23 from the town of Monroe was arrested by state police Wednesday, May 17, and charged with grand larceny and identity theft. According to Trooper Steven Nevel, on Tuesday, April 4, state police received a complaint about unauthorized charges on several credit cards. The total amount of the transactions was $1,261.  An investigation revealed that Gonzalez had a falling out with a friend an…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Man Charged With Wide-Ranging Credit Card Fraud Scheme In Region Man Charged With Wide-Ranging Credit Card Fraud Scheme In Region
Man Charged With Wide-Ranging Credit Card Fraud Scheme In Region A 30-year-old man has been charged in connection with an alleged wide-ranging fraud scheme using an area man's credit card.  The scheme came to light in Sullivan County on Wednesday, Jan. 18, when a Parksville resident, a hamlet of Liberty, reported that a fraudulent $296 charge had been made to his credit card at a Chenango County gas station in the Norwich area, said Undersheriff Eric Chaboty of the Sullivan County. Sheriff's Office. Working with the Chenango County Sheriff, the Madison County Sheriff, and the New York State Police, deputies were able to identify a man driving a red …

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by Kathy Reakes
Politics
George Santos Lied In Court To Help 'Family Friend' Who Made Fraudulent Credit Cards: Report George Santos Lied In Court To Help 'Family Friend' Who Made Fraudulent Credit Cards: Report
George Santos Lied In Court To Help 'Family Friend' Who Made Fraudulent Credit Cards: Report Embattled New York Congressman George Santos once lied in a Seattle courtroom to help a Brazilian man who admitted to making fraudulent credit cards, Politico reports.  While testifying under oath in King County Superior Court in Washington State in 2017, the now Republican lawmaker told the judge that the defendant, Gustavo Trelha, was an old family friend who knew his parents, and that he would help the man get an Airbnb while he was out on bail, according to the outlet. Related Report: 'I've Been A Terrible Liar,' George Santos Admits After He 'Got Away With It' In 2020 Santos, whose 3…

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by Michael Mashburn
Police & Fire
Know Him? Man Wanted For Using Stolen Credit Cards In Northern Westchester Know Him? Man Wanted For Using Stolen Credit Cards In Northern Westchester
Know Him? Man Wanted For Using Stolen Credit Cards In Northern Westchester Police asked the public for help identifying a man who is wanted for using stolen credit cards at multiple Northern Westchester stores. On Thursday, Nov. 10, a man used stolen credit cards to purchase items at various stores in Ossining, Cortlandt, and Peekskill, New York State Police reported on Wednesday, Nov. 23. Police said the items were valued at more than $1,173 in total. The man was wearing a "Blue Jays" baseball hat, a black Carhart zip-up jacket with tan "CARHART" lettering down the left sleeve, black sweatpants, and what are believed to be white and black Nike Air Max Plus …

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by Nicole Valinote
Police & Fire
Know Them? Duo Accused Of Stealing Purses From Shopping Carts In Hudson Valley Know Them? Duo Accused Of Stealing Purses From Shopping Carts In Hudson Valley
Know Them? Duo Accused Of Stealing Purses From Shopping Carts In Hudson Valley Police in the region are asking the public for help identifying a couple of thieves who have allegedly been snagging purses and wallets from shopping carts. The Town of Ulster Police Department is investigating several larcenies of purses and wallets from shopping carts in the Kings Mall over the last two weeks.  While one of the suspects distracts the female shopper the other one steals the purse, police said. The suspects then immediately utilize the credit cards to make purchases at other local stores, they added.  Anyone that has information relative to the suspects and/or l…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Police Ask Public For Help Identifying Duo Linked To Hudson Valley Grand Larceny Case Police Ask Public For Help Identifying Duo Linked To Hudson Valley Grand Larceny Case
Police Ask Public For Help Identifying Duo Linked To Hudson Valley Grand Larceny Case Authorities are asking the public for help identifying two people linked to a grand larceny investigation in the Hudson Valley. The New York State Police in Brewster are investigating after a suspect or suspects stole more than $14,000 from a victim using the victim's credit card information, according to an update from police on Tuesday, Jan. 11. The New York State Police in Brewster are attempting to identify the pictured subjects in relation to a grand larceny... Posted by New York State Police on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 Police provided images of the two people they're searching f…

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by Nicole Valinote
Police & Fire
Police Ask Public's Help In ID Theft, Grand Larceny Case In Northern Westchester Police Ask Public's Help In ID Theft, Grand Larceny Case In Northern Westchester
Police Ask Public's Help In ID Theft, Grand Larceny Case In Northern Westchester Police are investigating after a suspect used a victim's credit card to make fraudulent purchases at stores in Northern Westchester County. Earlier in December, a victim reported that they lost their wallet in the Walmart located on East Main Street in the area of Mohegan Lake, according to New York State Police. Police said shortly after the wallet was stolen, the victim received a number of fraudulent credit card charges. Investigators located security images of the individual believed to have made the purchases at stores in Cortlandt and Ossining. A grand larceny and identity theft inv…

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by Nicole Valinote
Police & Fire
Laundrie Family Reacts To Cause Of Death Ruling, Says Credit Cards He Used Belonged To Petito Laundrie Family Reacts To Cause Of Death Ruling, Says Credit Cards He Used Belonged To Petito
Laundrie Family Reacts To Cause Of Death Ruling, Says Credit Cards He Used Belonged To Petito Minutes after a coroner announced the cause of death of Gabby Petito, the attorney for her fugitive boyfriend's family reacted to the coroner’s ruling that she died by strangulation. “While Brian Laundrie is currently charged with the unauthorized use of a debit card belonging to Gabby," Attorney Steve Bertolino said to CNN, "Brian is only considered a person of interest in relation to Gabby Petito’s demise." Earlier report: Gabby Petito Cause Of Death Released By Coroner “At this time Brian is still missing and when he is located we will address the pending fraud charge against him,"…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Two Men Admit To $50K Department Store Fraud Scheme In Westchester Two Men Admit To $50K Department Store Fraud Scheme In Westchester
Two Men Admit To $50K Department Store Fraud Scheme In Westchester Two men admitted to their roles in a scheme to several department stores in Westchester out of more than $50,000. Patrick Onogwu and Asanimo Risea, both of the Bronx, pleaded guilty for their part in a more than a year-long scheme that included using fraudulently obtained credit cards to steal from several Westchester County TJX Companies, Inc. stores, including TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Home Goods. The two had been charged in a 54-count indictment along with Bronx resident Donald. Original story - Three Suspects Indicted For $50K Department Store Fraud Scheme In Westchester Westchester C…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Man Who Allegedly Stole Three Generators Worth $5k Wanted In Hudson Valley, Long Island Man Who Allegedly Stole Three Generators Worth $5k Wanted In Hudson Valley, Long Island
Man Who Allegedly Stole Three Generators Worth $5k Wanted In Hudson Valley, Long Island A man who allegedly used a fraudulent credit card to buy three generators worth $5,073 is wanted for third-degree grand larceny in both the Hudson Valley and on Long Island. Saekuan Smith, 29, said that he was an employee from a nearby building and remodeling company in Dickson, PA when he made the illegal purchase at a business in Sullivan County, in Calliccoon, according to State Police.  Both the Town of Calliccoon Court and the Nassau County Police Department have issued warrants for his arrest.  Smith stands at 5-foot-5, weighs 145 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes.&n…

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by Christina Coulter
Police & Fire
Man Nabbed Charging $5,000 To Stolen Credit Card In Area, Police Say Man Nabbed Charging $5,000 To Stolen Credit Card In Area, Police Say
Man Nabbed Charging $5,000 To Stolen Credit Card In Area, Police Say A 22-year-old faces felony charges after he was allegedly caught paying a mechanic over $5,000 with a stolen credit card in the area.  Orange County resident Rasheed A. Williams Jr., of Middletown, was charged with the felony of fourth-degree grand larceny and the misdemeanor of third-degree unlawful possession of personal identification on Saturday, Dec. 5, according to State Police in Middletown. State Police were assisted in their investigation by the Yates County Sheriff Department in Pennsylvania and state police in Williamson, PA. An investigation is ongoing.  Williams…

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by Christina Coulter
News
Former Employee Charged With Stealing $390K From Westchester Business Former Employee Charged With Stealing $390K From Westchester Business
Former Employee Charged With Stealing $390K From Westchester Business A Rockland County woman turned herself in and is now facing charges for allegedly stealing more than $390,000 from her former employee in Westchester. Haverstraw resident Catherine Johnson, 56, surrendered into custody this week and was arraigned on a grand larceny charge in Irvington Justice Court for allegedly stealing $391,120.63 from Eileen Fisher, Inc. in Irvington over a seven-year stretch. Westchester County District Attorney Anthony Scarpino Jr. said that between Aug. 24, 2012, and Aug. 26, 2019, Johnson stole the money from her employer by making personal credit card charges on her…

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by Zak Failla
News
Westchester Duo Sentenced For Forged Passport, Rewards Card Scheme Westchester Duo Sentenced For Forged Passport, Rewards Card Scheme
Westchester Duo Sentenced For Forged Passport, Rewards Card Scheme A man and woman from Westchester will spend time behind bars after being busted in an elaborate identity theft scheme that involved forged passport cards and fraudulently obtained credit cards to steal from popular retailers. Mount Vernon residents Hassan Miller and Dawn Anderson have been sentenced to a term of between one and a half and four and a half years in state prison for possessing forged US passport cards in their home as part of a scheme to steal from The TJX Companies, Inc. TJX companies includes stores such as TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Home Goods. Westchester County Distri…

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by Zak Failla
News
Man Sentenced For Stealing Appliances With Fake Credit Card In Northern Westchester Man Sentenced For Stealing Appliances With Fake Credit Card In Northern Westchester
Man Sentenced For Stealing Appliances With Fake Credit Card In Northern Westchester A Westchester man will avoid time behind bars after being busted using a fake credit card to illegally purchase appliances last year. Yonkers resident Rahul Masih has been sentenced after pleading guilty in October last year to attempted criminal possession of a forged instrument, a felony. Last week, Masih was sentenced in Westchester County Court to five years probation after paying $2,580 in restitution to Atlantic Appliance in Yorktown, where he used the credit card. Westchester County District Attorney Anthony Scarpino, Jr. said that on Aug. 3, 2018, Masih received an appliance to be …

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Know Them? Police Seek To ID Duo Linked To String Of Larcenies From Vehicles Know Them? Police Seek To ID Duo Linked To String Of Larcenies From Vehicles
Know Them? Police Seek To ID Duo Linked To String Of Larcenies From Vehicles Police are asking the public's help in identifying two people linked to a string of larcenies from vehicles in the area. The larcenies occurred in North Salem, according to state police from the Somers barracks. The two are shown in the security images shown above from a Walmart where stolen credit cards were fraudulently used, police said. Anyone with information regarding the possible identity or location of the two pictured individuals is asked to contact Investigator Wollman of the New York State Police at (914) 769-2600. Please refer to case# 9337398. Share this story by cl…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Former Employee Admits To Making 40 Charges In NY/CT With Credit Cards Stolen From Customers Former Employee Admits To Making 40 Charges In NY/CT With Credit Cards Stolen From Customers
Former Employee Admits To Making 40 Charges In NY/CT With Credit Cards Stolen From Customers A convicted felon with a rap sheet dating back to the 1980s will spend more time behind bars after admitting to credit card fraud, identity theft and a host of other charges. Steven Finkler, 55, of New Haven, pleaded guilty in Bridgeport district court to one count of access device fraud, one count of wire fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. U.S. Attorney John Durham said that in August 2017, Finkler stole credit cards from two of his employer’s customers and used the cards to make more than 40 fraudulent charges in Connecticut and New York. The charges included Finkler…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Police: Duo Who Fraudulently Used Credit, Debit Cards At Newtown Stores Believed To Be From NY Police: Duo Who Fraudulently Used Credit, Debit Cards At Newtown Stores Believed To Be From NY
Police: Duo Who Fraudulently Used Credit, Debit Cards At Newtown Stores Believed To Be From NY Newtown Police are asking the public for help locating two men who fraudulently used credit cards at local stores. The men believed to be from the New York area used the cards at several between 1 and 3:30 p.m., on Friday, Nov. 8, said the Newtown Police. Police say the men may be driving a dark Chrysler sedan with tinted windows and New York plats.  Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Lorancaitis at 203-426-5841.

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Alert Issued For Woman Wanted For Stealing Credit Cards From Friend Alert Issued For Woman Wanted For Stealing Credit Cards From Friend
Alert Issued For Woman Wanted For Stealing Credit Cards From Friend An alert has been issued by New York State Police investigators in Ellenville who allegedly stole credit cards from a friend and charged more than $2,500. Kelly Kiernan was arrested and charged with fourth-degree grand larceny after an investigation determined that she and other co-conspirators stole several credit cards from a friend. Kiernan then made multiple unauthorized credit and debit charges. Kiernan later failed to appear in court following her arrest and a warrant was issued for her arrest. Police described Kiernan, 35, as 5-foot-3 weighing approximately 132 pounds with blonde ha…

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by Zak Failla
News
Don't Be A Victim Of Credit Card Fraud: Here Are Steps To Take From FBI Don't Be A Victim Of Credit Card Fraud: Here Are Steps To Take From FBI
Don't Be A Victim Of Credit Card Fraud: Here Are Steps To Take From FBI The FBI is warning consumers in the area to be wary of falling victim to scammers involved in credit card fraud schemes. The Bureau issued an alert this week, offering a series of tips to avoid becoming the latest victim of credit card fraud. According to the FBI, "credit card fraud is the unauthorized use of a credit or debit card, or similar payment tool (ACH, EFT, recurring charge, etc.), to fraudulently obtain money or property. Credit and debit card numbers can be stolen from unsecured websites or can be obtained in an identity theft scheme." Tips provided by the FBI include: Don’t …

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Seen Him? Alert Issued For Man Wanted For Making $1K In Purchases From Neighbor's Credit Card Seen Him? Alert Issued For Man Wanted For Making $1K In Purchases From Neighbor's Credit Card
Seen Him? Alert Issued For Man Wanted For Making $1K In Purchases From Neighbor's Credit Card Seen him? New York State Police investigators in Orange County are seeking the public’s assistance as they attempt to track down a wanted man with an active warrant out for his arrest for grand larceny. According to police, 42-year-old Michael Gizzi was arrested last year following an investigation that determined he used his neighbor’s credit cards without authorization. Gizzi stated that he accidentally received his neighbor’s mail and realized there were credit cards, and he proceeded to use them. In total, Gizzi allegedly made more than $1,000 in unauthorized charges, and later failed…

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by Zak Failla
News
Skimming Devices Discovered At Gas Stations In Area Skimming Devices Discovered At Gas Stations In Area
Skimming Devices Discovered At Gas Stations In Area Motorists are being warned that skimming devices have been found at gas stations in the area. Cases in which skimming devices have been used to obtain credit card information form gas pumps in the Town of Philipstown and the Town of Southeast are being investigated by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department. "We want to remind everyone to always be alert for skimming devices when using your credit card or debit card at any device such as a gas pump or ATM," the sheriff's office said. "Look for signs of damage and pull and twist on the card reader itself as the actual readers are very to…

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by Joe Lombardi
Police & Fire
Teen Employee Nabbed Making Purchases With Stolen Credit Card, Police Say Teen Employee Nabbed Making Purchases With Stolen Credit Card, Police Say
Teen Employee Nabbed Making Purchases With Stolen Credit Card, Police Say A local teen was arrested and faces multiple charges after Town of Wallkill investigators allegedly discovered him using a stolen credit to make online purchases. Owusu A. Agyeman, 19, an employee of Staples at 470 Route 211E in Wallkill, is said to have taken photographs of the victim’s credit card before making various online purchases from Amazon, the NFL Shop, and Venmo in mid-October. Town of Wallkill Police arrested Agyeman and charged him with unlawful possession of personal information as well as petit larceny on Thursday, Nov. 29 around 1:20 p.m.. Agyeman was released and given an…

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by Valerie Musson
News
Scam Alert: Beware Of Card Skimming At The Gas Pump Scam Alert: Beware Of Card Skimming At The Gas Pump
Scam Alert: Beware Of Card Skimming At The Gas Pump With Thanksgiving weekend and December holiday travel coming, a new warning has been issued about skimming scams at the pump. Skimmers are illegal card readers attached to payment terminals. These card readers grab data off a credit or debit card’s magnetic stripe without your knowledge. Criminals sell the stolen data or use it to buy things online. You won’t know your information has been stolen until you get your statement or an overdraft notice. While your eyes are on the road, scammers' eyes are on your wallet. Here are a few tips from the Federal Trade Commission to help you avoid a s…

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by Joe Lombardi
Police & Fire
Suspects Who Led Officer On Chase Resulting In Crash Tied To Thefts Across Three States: Police Suspects Who Led Officer On Chase Resulting In Crash Tied To Thefts Across Three States: Police
Suspects Who Led Officer On Chase Resulting In Crash Tied To Thefts Across Three States: Police A Philadelphia trio led Paramus police officers on a brief chase that resulted in a crash -- and then their arrests, authorities said. On Oct. 3, Paramus police officers responded to the Paramus Park Mall on a reports of three people pickpocketing and stealing, Police Chief Kenneth Ehrenberg said. Officer Brian Doughty located Michael Grantham, Kachae Jackson and Danielle Taylor, all from Philadelphia, who fled on foot from the officer into a waiting vehicle, the chief said. Paramus Officer Michael Focarino attempted to stop the car using lights and sirens as it sped away from Paramus Park…

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by Cecilia Levine
Police & Fire
Man Used Stolen Credit Card To Make Purchases At Rite Aid, Town Of Poughkeepsie Police Say Man Used Stolen Credit Card To Make Purchases At Rite Aid, Town Of Poughkeepsie Police Say
Man Used Stolen Credit Card To Make Purchases At Rite Aid, Town Of Poughkeepsie Police Say Police nabbed a man who had stolen a person's credit card and then used it to purchase numerous items at a Rite Aid store. David Sanchez, 39, of Union City, was nabbed around 7 p.m. Friday by the Town of Poughkeepsie Police following a complaint of fraudulent purchases on a victim’s credit card, said Capt. Kevin Faber. Responding officers determined that Sanchez had made fraudulent purchases using the victim’s stolen credit card at Rite Aid, 3350 North Road in Poughkeepsie. Sanchez was identified and located nearby a short time following the initial report. Sanchez was charged with felony …

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by Kathy Reakes
Lifestyle
Skimmers Stealing Credit Card Numbers At Gas Stations, Secret Service Says Skimmers Stealing Credit Card Numbers At Gas Stations, Secret Service Says
Skimmers Stealing Credit Card Numbers At Gas Stations, Secret Service Says With tens of millions of Americans traveling this July 4th week, the government is warning about a surge in crime at gas stations.The Secret Service issued an alert about a scam involving devices hidden inside the gas pump to steal credit card numbers. Secret Service agents are participating in a nationwide initiative to locate and recover illegal credit card skimming devices from fueling stations Operations are being conducted at locations across 21 states and involving 36 Secret Service field offices with agents inspecting pumps for illegal skimming devices. Skim…

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by Joe Lombardi
Police & Fire
Seen Him? Hudson Valley Fraud Suspect With 26 Fake Credit Cards At Large Seen Him? Hudson Valley Fraud Suspect With 26 Fake Credit Cards At Large
Seen Him? Hudson Valley Fraud Suspect With 26 Fake Credit Cards At Large Investigators with the New York State Police in Orange County are seeking the public’s assistance as they search for a man who is wanted after being busted with more than two dozen fraudulent credit cards. An alert was issued for 26-year-old Fernando Pile, Jr., who is wanted on charges that include unlawful possession of a skimmer device, second-degree forgery and possession of a forged instrument after he was busted during a traffic stop in Monroe. Police said that during the traffic stop, Pile was found to be in possession of 26 fraudulent credit cards and a skimmer device. Further invest…

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by Zak Failla