Tag:

Fraud

Orange County Woman Nabbed In $8K Fraudulent Check Case At Credit Union: Police Orange County Woman Nabbed In $8K Fraudulent Check Case At Credit Union: Police
Orange County Woman Nabbed In $8K Fraudulent Check Case At Credit Union: Police A 20-year-old woman has been charged with two felonies after cashing a fraudulent check worth over $8,000 at a credit union in the region, authorities said.  The investigation began in Putnam County on Friday, Nov. 15, when a deputy took a complaint from an investigator with the Hudson Valley Credit Union about a fraudulent check cashed at the Mahopac branch in Putnam County, according to the Sheriff’s Office. A Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) investigator reviewed surveillance footage and other evidence, which quickly led to authorities identifying Xiomara Ortiz, a 20-year-old …
Trump Taps Dr. Oz To Lead Medicare, Medicaid Services Trump Taps Dr. Oz To Lead Medicare, Medicaid Services
Trump Taps Dr. Oz To Lead Medicare, Medicaid Services President-elect Donald J. Trump has nominated Dr. Mehmet Oz to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), citing the Pennsylvania-educated heart surgeon’s decades-long dedication to healthcare innovation and public advocacy. The announcement came Tuesday, Nov. 19, as Trump highlighted Oz’s qualifications and ties to the Keystone State. Dr. Oz earned both his medical degree and MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Medicine and Wharton Business School, making him an Ivy League-trained physician and business leader. Trump lauded his achievements in a statement, ca…
Don’t Be Fooled: Police Warn Of Email Scammers Ahead Of Holidays Don’t Be Fooled: Police Warn Of Email Scammers Ahead Of Holidays
Don’t Be Fooled: Police Warn Of Email Scammers Ahead Of Holidays Police in New York are warning residents to beware scammers heading into the holidays. In a public service announcement Wednesday, Nov. 13, Nassau County Police were especially concerned about computer scams that claim someone’s bank or shopping account was “hacked.” Other scams include phony computer viruses and software updates, unsolicited job offers, fake lotto prizes, and bogus overdue notices from purported utility companies. “Legitimate agencies never ask for immediate payment via gift cards and never come to your home to collect cash,” the agency said. Police warned that the follo…
DMV Nabs Trio Running Unlicensed Used Car Dealership In Hudson Valley DMV Nabs Trio Running Unlicensed Used Car Dealership In Hudson Valley
DMV Nabs Trio Running Unlicensed Used Car Dealership In Hudson Valley Following a two-year investigation, three men were nabbed running an alleged unlicensed used car dealership in the region. In Dutchess County, the trio -- Raed Nesheiwat, age 57; Lakeia Parker, age 41, and Marceise Livesay, age 26 -- were arrested on Wednesday, Nov. 13, in Poughkeepsie. According to Water McClure of the state Division of Motor Vehicles, the investigation found that the three sold more than 150 vehicles out of a building and parking lot at 20-22 Pershing Ave., in Poughkeepsie, without a legitimate dealer license. The Dutchess County Grand Jury has charged the men, who are a…
Trump Names Ex-SEC Chief To Replace Damian Williams As SDNY's Top Prosecutor Trump Names Ex-SEC Chief To Replace Damian Williams As SDNY's Top Prosecutor
Trump Names Ex-sec Chief To Replace Damian Williams As Sdny's Top Prosecutor President-elect Donald Trump is looking to replace Damian Williams, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, with a familiar face from his previous administration who hails from Pennsylvania.  Trump announced on Thursday, Nov. 14 that he would nominate Jay Clayton, who has no experience as a criminal prosecutor, to be the next US Attorney for the Southern District of New York.  Clayton, age 58, previously served as Chairman of the US Securities and Exchange Commission from May 2017 to December 2020, a role in which Trump wrote he "did an incredible job." Before that, he…
NY Woman Cleans Out Bank Account To Fraudster Posing As Federal Agent, Police Say NY Woman Cleans Out Bank Account To Fraudster Posing As Federal Agent, Police Say
NY Woman Cleans Out Bank Account To Fraudster Posing As Federal Agent, Police Say A months-long investigation has led to the arrest of a man who authorities say impersonated a federal agent and used fear and intimidation to convince a Long Island victim to hand over money. On Friday, Oct. 25, the suspect, Om Parkash, age 31, of Queens, was charged with second-degree grand larceny (a Class C felony). In late July of 2023, Parkash contacted the victim in Sag Harbor stating she was involved in a fraud scheme involving large amounts of money, according to New York State Police.  From there, Parkash advised the victim she would have to give money to “federal a…
Monroe Business Admits To $2.1 Million Medicaid Fraud, AG Says Monroe Business Admits To $2.1 Million Medicaid Fraud, AG Says
Monroe Business Admits To $2.1 Million Medicaid Fraud, AG Says A Hudson Valley business and three employees admitted stealing more than $2.1 million from Medicaid by submitting fake claims for service. New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Tuesday, Oct. 22, that the Orange County owners of DYD Universe, a New York Medicaid-enrolled transportation company, have pleaded guilty for their roles in a scheme that stole more than $2.1 million from Medicaid and paid illegal kickbacks to Medicaid recipients.  According to James, Damir Yuldashev, age 64, his son Daler Yuldashev, age 38, and Daler’s mother, Nigina Iskandarova, age 60, all of Monr…
$5.78M Scam: NY Attorney Admits Defrauding 48 Victims In Real Estate Transactions $5.78M Scam: NY Attorney Admits Defrauding 48 Victims In Real Estate Transactions
$5.78M Scam: NY Attorney Admits Defrauding 48 Victims In Real Estate Transactions A New York attorney has admitted to running a scheme to defraud victims of nearly $6,000,000. Long Island resident Daniel Boldi, age 49, of Garden City acted as settlement agent and bank attorney in multiple property sales on Long Island and embezzled millions of dollars of his clients’ escrow and home loan funds, according to Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly. The scam involved 46 separate real estate transactions between September 2020 and January 2024, Donnelly said. Boldi pleaded guilty to 13 counts of grand larceny in the second degree (a Class C felony) and o…
$3.4M Scheme: Ex-Controller Admits To Embezzling Family-Owned Hudson Valley Business $3.4M Scheme: Ex-Controller Admits To Embezzling Family-Owned Hudson Valley Business
$3.4M Scheme: Ex-Controller Admits To Embezzling Family-Owned Hudson Valley Business A senior member of a family-owned company has admitted to embezzling more than $3.4 million from the business over five years. According to court filings released on Thursday, Oct. 10, John Hickey, age 34, created false invoices that appeared to be from entities with which the Northern Westchester-based corporations did business from February 2018 to November 2023. The company, located in Armonk, manufactured flame retardant fabrics. Damian Williams, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said Hickey then forged signatures that supposedly approved payment of those invo…
Hudson Valley Man Posing As Attorney Scams Thousands From Victim, Police Say Hudson Valley Man Posing As Attorney Scams Thousands From Victim, Police Say
Hudson Valley Man Posing As Attorney Scams Thousands From Victim, Police Say A man from the region has been accused of posing as an attorney and targeting victims, including one he allegedly scammed out of thousands of dollars. The New York State Police have reported that an investigation has revealed that Northern Westchester County resident David Karaca, 56, of Somers, impersonated a lawyer in a virtual Alcoholics Anonymous group based in Los Angeles.  Karaca, also known as David Radcliffe and David Corazza, defrauded a victim of $7,500 for legal fees despite not being a licensed attorney, said police. Karaca has been charged with grand larceny, a Class…
Orange County Man Pretended To Be Engineer, Approved Plans, Police Say Orange County Man Pretended To Be Engineer, Approved Plans, Police Say
Orange County Man Pretended To Be Engineer, Approved Plans, Police Say A Hudson Valley man was busted for the unauthorized practice of a profession for allegedly representing himself as an engineer. Orange County resident William Sattler, age 64, of Middletown, was charged by New York State Police on Thursday, Sept. 26. According to Trooper Steven Nevel, an investigation revealed that Sattler was acting as an engineer and stamping engineering plans using the seal of the ex-employer.  He was charged with: Unauthorized practice of a profession Grand larceny Criminal possession of a forged instrument  Offering a false instrument for filing Sattler wa…
Ex-Controller Who Stole $340K From Hudson Valley Company Gets Prison Time Ex-Controller Who Stole $340K From Hudson Valley Company Gets Prison Time
Ex-Controller Who Stole $340K From Hudson Valley Company Gets Prison Time A 54-year-old woman who stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Northern Westchester-based company she worked for will spend several years in prison.  Mohegan Lake resident ToniAnn Rosado was sentenced to a term of two to six years in prison on Friday, Sept. 27 for stealing more than $340,000 from North Castle-based paint company CR Wallauer & Company, Inc., the Westchester County District Attorney's Office announced on Tuesday, Oct. 1.  According to the DA's Office, in her role as the company's controller, Rosado stole $341,707.54 between July 7, 2017, …
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 …
Roofer Scam In Hudson Valley Sparks Police Warning Roofer Scam In Hudson Valley Sparks Police Warning
Roofer Scam In Hudson Valley Sparks Police Warning Police in the Hudson Valley warn homeowners about a roofer scam in which the scammers demand money upfront and do not return to complete the job. The incidents are happening in Rockland County in the Ramapo area. The Ramapo Police Department is currently investigating a scam in which a person claiming to be a professional roofer knocked on the homeowner's door to notify the owner about damage to their roof.  They offered their services at a reduced cost and then began work. After the job was started, Ramapo Police said they drastically raised the price of repairs and demanded that the…
Ex-NY Attorney Who Stole $800K From Clients Gets Prison Time Ex-NY Attorney Who Stole $800K From Clients Gets Prison Time
Ex-NY Attorney Who Stole $800K From Clients Gets Prison Time A former New York attorney is heading to prison after confessing that he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from his clients. Former Long Island resident Douglas Valente, age 57, now of Florida, was sentenced to between one and four years in prison in Suffolk County Court on Thursday, Aug. 22. Prosecutors said Valente, the former principal attorney at the Valente Law Group in Stony Brook, stole more than $800,000 from three former clients by taking money from his escrow account. Earlier Report: Former NY Attorney Stole Nearly $1M From Clients, DA Says Among the victims was a cl…
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…
Alert Issued In Hudson Valley For Parking Ticket Scam: What To Watch For Alert Issued In Hudson Valley For Parking Ticket Scam: What To Watch For
Alert Issued In Hudson Valley For Parking Ticket Scam: What To Watch For A Hudson Valley elected official is warning residents to be wary of fake texts asking them to pay unpaid parking tickets.  In a post on X on Monday, July 1, New York Assemblyman Matt Slater, who represents parts of Putnam and Northern Westchester, warned residents of a fake text scheme involving scammers claiming that victims owe unpaid parking invoices in New York City.  According to Slater, the texts will claim that victims will owe an additional charge of $25 unless they settle their balance. They will also contain a link where victims can settle their "balance."  "Don't …
Scammers Posing As Law Enforcement, Sending Fake Letters To Victims In Hudson Valley Scammers Posing As Law Enforcement, Sending Fake Letters To Victims In Hudson Valley
Scammers Posing As Law Enforcement, Sending Fake Letters To Victims In Hudson Valley Authorities in the region are warning residents of a scheme involving scammers posing as law enforcement and sending victims fake letters to convince them they are in trouble with the law.  The scam, detailed in an announcement from the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office on Friday, June 28, involves suspects contacting victims and posing as law enforcement before telling them they are wanted for a crime.  The Sheriff's Office added that the scammer will then tell the victim they need to pay cash to satisfy the warrant or charges.  To further convince victims that the request i…
$185M Scheme: NY Trio Nabbed For Defrauding 1,400 Investors, Feds Say $185M Scheme: NY Trio Nabbed For Defrauding 1,400 Investors, Feds Say
$185M Scheme: NY Trio Nabbed For Defrauding 1,400 Investors, Feds Say Three New York men have been charged in connection with a $185 million fraud scheme involving over a thousand investors, federal authorities announced. The three are Long Island resident Mario Gogliormella, age 47, of Manhasset; and New York City residents Steven Lacaj, age 27, of Manhattan, and Karim Ibrahim, age 34, of Queens, also known as “Chris Hayes." “By allegedly raising approximately $185 million from over 1,400 investors, Mario Gogliormella, Steven Lacaj, and Karim Ibrahim left a trail of shattered trust and financial ruin," US Attorney for the Southern Distric…
NY Resident Loses $341K In 'Pig Butchering' Scheme: Here's What It Is NY Resident Loses $341K In 'Pig Butchering' Scheme: Here's What It Is
NY Resident Loses $341K In 'Pig Butchering' Scheme: Here's What It Is The US Secret Service has seized a web domain used in a cryptocurrency confidence crime scheme known as “pig butchering” after a New York resident was swindled out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. According to federal authorities, scammers in pig butchering schemes encounter victims in various ways, including on dating applications, social media websites, and even random text messages masquerading as the wrong number. Scammers initiate relationships with victims and slowly gain their trust, eventually introducing the idea of making a business investment using cryptocurrency.  Vict…
Welfare Fraud Task Force Makes 2 Arrests In Region Welfare Fraud Task Force Makes 2 Arrests In Region
Welfare Fraud Task Force Makes 2 Arrests In Region Two women from the region have been nabbed for alleged welfare fraud. The arrests occurred in Sullivan County in Monticello on Friday, April 12, and Thursday, April 25. According to the Sullivan County Welfare Fraud Task Force, the following arrests were made:  Drewcilla R. Noel, age 31, of Monticello, was arrested on Friday, April 12, and charged with grand larceny and theft of services. It is alleged that Noel utilized Medicaid Medical Transportation services on various dates beginning June 2023 and continuing through December 2023 with multiple transportation compan…
Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Scheme: Northern Westchester Man, Fellow Former Exec Sentenced Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Scheme: Northern Westchester Man, Fellow Former Exec Sentenced
Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Scheme: Northern Westchester Man, Fellow Former Exec Sentenced Two former high-ranking executives have been sentenced for stealing millions of dollars from their employer in Westchester County through a fraudulent scheme involving sham companies and fake invoices. The two worked at OrthoNet, a healthcare claims processing company based in White Plains. Shawn Rains, age 57, of Le Bouscat, France, who was previously convicted of mail fraud conspiracy, mail fraud, and money laundering conspiracy after a two-week trial, was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Northern Westchester resident Joseph Maharaj, age 42, of Goldens Bridge, had pl…
Scammers Posing As NYSP Troopers, Agency Warns Scammers Posing As NYSP Troopers, Agency Warns
Scammers Posing As Nysp Troopers, Agency Warns New York State Police are sounding the alarm over scammers posing as troopers in order to con victims out of their money. In an alert issued Tuesday, April 9, the agency said fraudsters employ a variety of tactics to con their victims, including demanding payment for a missed court date, jury duty, or other legal matter. The phony cops have also been known to claim there is a warrant for the victim’s arrest and threaten to apprehend them unless a fine is paid. In some cases, scammers have directed the victim to buy a prepaid money transfer card and give them the card number. “They might s…
$1.4M Bank Loan Scheme: Hudson Valley Man Sentenced $1.4M Bank Loan Scheme: Hudson Valley Man Sentenced
$1.4M Bank Loan Scheme: Hudson Valley Man Sentenced A Hudson Valley man has been sentenced to prison in connection with a scheme to obtain a fraudulent $1.4 million loan from Park Avenue Bank. Rockland County resident Mendel Zilberberg, age 65, of Monsey, was sentenced on Wednesday, March 19 following a one-week trial. According to court documents, Zilberberg, who was a member of the bank's board of directors at the time of the offense, conspired with others, including Aron Fried, to obtain a fraudulent loan using a "star borrower" to make the loan application.  The straw borrower applied for a $1.4 million loan from the Bank base…
Avoid Scams: These Are Top 10 Consumer Frauds Of 2023, NY AG Says Avoid Scams: These Are Top 10 Consumer Frauds Of 2023, NY AG Says
Avoid Scams: These Are Top 10 Consumer Frauds Of 2023, NY AG Says To honor National Consumer Protection Week, New York Attorney General Letitia James has revealed the most common fraud complaints faced by residents during 2023.  In an announcement on Monday, March 4, James said that these common complaints ranged from price gouging of much-needed goods and services to housing issues, online banking fraud, and even travel-related issues.  The top ten most common consumer complaints of 2023 in New York were:  Retail Sales: (Online purchases, price gouging, retail sales, defective merchandise, poor customer service, pet stores, animal breede…
Hudson Valley Man Accused Of Taking Money For Home Improvements He Never Performed Hudson Valley Man Accused Of Taking Money For Home Improvements He Never Performed
Hudson Valley Man Accused Of Taking Money For Home Improvements He Never Performed A Hudson Valley man has been charged with grand larceny for allegedly taking money from two people in return for home improvements which he never did. Orange County resident Gary Maldonado, age 42, of New Windsor, was arrested on Wednesday, Feb. 21, by the multi-agency Orange County White Collar Crime Task Force As alleged in charges filed in court, Maldonado induced two separate victims into giving him money for home improvement projects in the town of Newburgh. Maldonado failed to perform the work promised and did not refund the victims their money when asked to do so, sai…
Not Laughing: George Santos Sues Jimmy Kimmel For 'Deceiving' Him Into Making Cameo Videos Not Laughing: George Santos Sues Jimmy Kimmel For 'Deceiving' Him Into Making Cameo Videos
Not Laughing: George Santos Sues Jimmy Kimmel For 'Deceiving' Him Into Making Cameo Videos Disgraced former New York Rep. George Santos is taking his beef with late-night host Jimmy Kimmel to federal court. In a lawsuit filed in the Southern District of New York on Friday, Feb. 16, the ex-Republican lawmaker accused Kimmel of copyright infringement and fraud for a series of personalized videos the talk show host commissioned from him on the website Cameo. The 35-year-old Santos began selling video shout outs on the site following his historic ouster from Congress amid federal criminal charges. Earlier Report: US House Expels Nassau Rep. George Santos In Historic Vote K…
29-Year-Old From Connecticut Focus Of Netflix Documentary On His Mom's Mysterious Death On Boat 29-Year-Old From Connecticut Focus Of Netflix Documentary On His Mom's Mysterious Death On Boat
29-Year-Old From Connecticut Focus Of Netflix Documentary On His Mom's Mysterious Death On Boat A 29-year-old from Connecticut who was accused of killing his mother and grandfather is the focus of a new Netflix documentary on the mysterious deaths.  Netflix said earlier this month the documentary will explore the mysteries surrounding Middlesex County native Nathan Carman, of Middletown, who was accused of killing his mother Linda Carman while on a fishing trip in 2016, and his grandfather, John Chakalos. three years earlier in 2013. Carman, who died while in police custody last year, allegedly killed his mother while fishing off the coast of Rhode Island on the family boat.…
Man's Brother Pretended To Be NY Mobster As Part Of $4M Embezzlement Scheme In MD/DC: Feds Man's Brother Pretended To Be NY Mobster As Part Of $4M Embezzlement Scheme In MD/DC: Feds
Man's Brother Pretended To Be NY Mobster As Part Of $4M Embezzlement Scheme In MD/DC: Feds Henry Hill immortalized the line "as far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster."  That mantra didn't work out well for a pair of brothers - one of whom pretended to be a New York mobster - to get a Maryland man to embezzle more than $4 million from his employer in Washington, DC.  New York native Corry Blue Evans, 31, has been sentenced to 41 months in prison for his role in an elaborate fraud, extortion, and money laundering scheme that involved several other close-knit co-conspirators who worked to exploit the multi-million dollar scheme. The sentence comes y…
Ethics Chair Asks House To Expel Santos After Finding 'Substantial Evidence' Of Lawbreaking Ethics Chair Asks House To Expel Santos After Finding 'Substantial Evidence' Of Lawbreaking
Ethics Chair Asks House To Expel Santos After Finding 'Substantial Evidence' Of Lawbreaking The third time may be the charm for federal lawmakers hoping to oust embattled New York Rep. George Santos from office. House Ethics Committee Chair Michael Guest, a Republican from Mississippi, filed a resolution to expel Santos from Congress on Friday morning, Nov. 17. Members are expected to vote on the resolution the week after Thanksgiving.  Earlier Report: LI Rep Santos Won't Run For Re-Election: 'Substantial Evidence' Of Lawbreaking, Committee Says The rare move came just one day after the committee, made up of five Republicans and five Democrats, released a report sayi…
Fraud Scammer Who Took Nearly $50K From Hudson Valley Resident Nabbed, Police Say Fraud Scammer Who Took Nearly $50K From Hudson Valley Resident Nabbed, Police Say
Fraud Scammer Who Took Nearly $50K From Hudson Valley Resident Nabbed, Police Say A man who successfully pulled off a fraud scam of a Hudson Valley resident for more than $50,000 was nabbed by police following an investigation. Prashil Sha, age 22, of Maywood, New Jersey, was arrested and charged on Saturday, Oct. 21 with two counts of grand larceny for the incident that took place in Orange County in Wallkill.  According to Lt. Roberet McLymore, of the Wallkill Police, an officer responded to a fraud report in the area of Moriah Lane. An investigation by the department along with Homeland Security and the New York State Police led to the arrest of Sha after i…