Tag:

Fraud

Ghost-Tapping Scam Could Lead To Full Bank Account Being Drained: What To Know Ghost-Tapping Scam Could Lead To Full Bank Account Being Drained: What To Know
Ghost-Tapping Scam Could Lead To Full Bank Account Being Drained: What To Know A barely noticeable charge showing up on your bank statement could be the first sign of a much bigger problem, one that can quietly spiral into serious financial loss. Consumers across the US are being warned about a so-called “ghost tapping” scam that begins with a small charge, often around $4, and can end with an entire bank account drained. The scheme targets customers of major banks, including Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo, according to reports by Fox News and The Sun. The scam typically starts with what appears to be a harmless, low-dollar transaction. Fraudsters use t…
$12M Medicaid Fraud Scheme By PA Home Health Care Agency Lands 20 People Charges: AG $12M Medicaid Fraud Scheme By PA Home Health Care Agency Lands 20 People Charges: AG
$12M Medicaid Fraud Scheme By PA Home Health Care Agency Lands 20 People Charges: AG The CEO of a Montgomery County home care agency has been sentenced to prison for her role in a multi-million dollar Medicaid fraud scheme tied to ComfortZone Home Health Care, Attorney General Dave Sunday announced on Tuesday, March 10. Naya Campbell, 29, of Audubon, previously pleaded guilty to charges including corrupt organizations, theft by deception, and Medicaid fraud for submitting false reimbursement claims through ComfortZone Home Health Care, LLC, according to the attorney general’s office. Campbell served as CEO of the Medicaid provider, which was owned by her mother, Stephanie M…
$12K Bitcoin Jury Duty Scam Lands SC Woman On PA Most Wanted List: Police $12K Bitcoin Jury Duty Scam Lands SC Woman On PA Most Wanted List: Police
$12K Bitcoin Jury Duty Scam Lands SC Woman On PA Most Wanted List: Police A phone call claiming to be from a sheriff cost a Lancaster County resident $12,000 — and now a South Carolina woman is wanted in connection with the alleged scam, Manheim Township Police announced on Friday, Feb. 27. Veronica Anntonette Oliva, 36, of Columbia, SC, has been charged with Dealing In Proceeds Of Unlawful Activities, Theft By Deception, Criminal Conspiracy (Theft By Deception), and Receiving Stolen Property, according to the release. Police said the case began on Jan. 30, 2026, when a victim reported receiving a telephone call from a man identifying himself as “Sgt. Dean Mitche…
TEDx To Tax Evasion: PA Vertical Farming Visionary Jack Griffin Funnels Cash To Wife's Account TEDx To Tax Evasion: PA Vertical Farming Visionary Jack Griffin Funnels Cash To Wife's Account
TEDx To Tax Evasion: PA Vertical Farming Visionary Jack Griffin Funnels Cash To Wife's Account Jack Griffin told the world he was building the future of farming. He gave a TEDx Talk. He stood before Congress. He promised to wipe out food deserts with high-tech vertical farms that could grow strawberries on a second floor and turn kale into jet fuel. But federal investigators say Griffin was really just pocketing. And now he’s headed to prison, the FBI announced on Monday, Feb. 2. The Sentence Jack Frances “Jack” Griffin, 62, of Philadelphia, faced up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud charge and five years for tax evasion. His sentencing was originally scheduled for Oct. 22,…
Cocaine Near 3 Children, Including Toddler, Prompts Child Endangerment Warrant In PA: Court Doc Cocaine Near 3 Children, Including Toddler, Prompts Child Endangerment Warrant In PA: Court Doc
Cocaine Near 3 Children, Including Toddler, Prompts Child Endangerment Warrant In PA: Court Doc New court documents reveal disturbing details behind an arrest warrant issued for a Carlisle man accused of endangering a young child by leaving narcotics within reach inside a home, according to records obtained by Daily Voice on Monday, Feb. 2. Anthony Malik Sease, 35, is wanted on a felony Endangering Welfare of Children charge and a misdemeanor drug offense following an incident investigated by Carlisle police at a residence in the 300 block of North East Street on Sunday, Jan. 26, court records show. According to the criminal complaint and affidavit of probable cause, officers were dis…
Former Western PA Youth Football Director Accused Of Stealing $230K From League: AG Former Western PA Youth Football Director Accused Of Stealing $230K From League: AG
Former Western PA Youth Football Director Accused Of Stealing $230K From League: AG A former leader of one of Pennsylvania’s largest youth football organizations is accused of siphoning hundreds of thousands of dollars meant for young athletes into his own personal accounts, Attorney General Dave Sunday announced Friday, Jan. 30. William Spencer, 57, served as director of the Washington/Greene Youth Football League — now known as the Western Pennsylvania Youth Football League — from 2013 until his resignation in March 2025, according to the Office of Attorney General. During that time, investigators allege Spencer diverted league funds to pay off credit cards, bolster a re…
Teacher Accused Of Stealing Teachers Association Funds In PA: Prosecutors Teacher Accused Of Stealing Teachers Association Funds In PA: Prosecutors
Teacher Accused Of Stealing Teachers Association Funds In PA: Prosecutors A Coatesville Area School District teacher is accused of stealing money meant for her fellow educators while serving in a leadership role with the Coatesville Area Teachers Association, the Chester County District Attorney’s Office announced on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Kathleen Elicker, 61, of West Chester, was arrested on Thursday, Jan. 15, and charged with taking funds from the Coatesville Area Teachers Association (CATA) during the 2019–2020 through the 2022–2023 school years, authorities said. Elicker was charged with: Felony Theft By Failure To Make Required Disposition Of Funds. Misdemea…
PA Lawyer Who Forged Federal Judge’s Signature Twice To Trick Client Gets Prison Time PA Lawyer Who Forged Federal Judge’s Signature Twice To Trick Client Gets Prison Time
PA Lawyer Who Forged Federal Judge’s Signature Twice To Trick Client Gets Prison Time A disgraced attorney is heading to prison after forging a judge’s name on a fake custody order — one of several legal schemes he's been convicted of in recent months, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced on Monday, Dec. 15. Michael Brandon Cohen, 42, of Hollidaysburg, was sentenced to one to three years in state prison after pleading guilty to forgery for creating a false custody order to benefit a client, according to AG Sunday. Cohen’s fabricated order prompted the client to violate a court-approved custody agreement by moving her child out of the county — all based on his …
Former PA High School Football Players Swept Up In $2.3M Bank Fraud Ring: AG Former PA High School Football Players Swept Up In $2.3M Bank Fraud Ring: AG
Former PA High School Football Players Swept Up In $2.3M Bank Fraud Ring: AG A widening investigation into a multimillion-dollar bank fraud ring has pulled in several men already known for past unemployment and debit card scams in Dauphin County, the Pennsylvania Attorney General announced on Thursday, Dec. 5. The newly charged defendants include some of the same young men previously arrested for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance fraud and for a separate $2 million bank scheme investigated earlier this year, according to the release. Many of the men were former high school athletes, primarily playing football at Central Dauphin East High School, according to their soc…
Treasurer Accused Of Stealing Nearly $22K From PA American Legion Post: Affidavit Treasurer Accused Of Stealing Nearly $22K From PA American Legion Post: Affidavit
Treasurer Accused Of Stealing Nearly $22K From PA American Legion Post: Affidavit A man accused of stealing nearly $22,000 from a local American Legion post has waived his preliminary hearing, allowing the case to move forward in county court, police announced in an updated release on Monday, Oct. 27. Michael David Klein, 49, of Leaman Street in Lititz, faces two counts of Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Funds Received after allegedly pocketing $21,942 while serving as treasurer and finance officer for the Sons of the American Legion Post 56. Alleged Scheme Unfolded Over 14 Months Klein took over financial responsibilities for the post in February 2024. …
Philly Man Punches Officers Over Fake Inspection Stickers In Harrisburg: Police Philly Man Punches Officers Over Fake Inspection Stickers In Harrisburg: Police
Philly Man Punches Officers Over Fake Inspection Stickers In Harrisburg: Police A Philadelphia man is accused of assaulting three officers during a traffic stop in Harrisburg, the Lower Paxton Township Bureau of Police announced on Friday, Oct. 10. Nysaire Tyheam-Maurice Outlaw, 28, was pulled over near Colonial Road and Ethel Street at 12:05 a.m. after officers noticed fraudulent inspection stickers on his vehicle, police said. When asked to exit the car for further inspection, Outlaw allegedly refused. Officers told him multiple times that it was a lawful order and that failure to comply could result in arrest, according to the release. Backup officers arrived, and …
How To Avoid Lottery, Prize Scams: You Didn’t Enter, But You 'Won'? How To Avoid Lottery, Prize Scams: You Didn’t Enter, But You 'Won'?
How To Avoid Lottery, Prize Scams: You Didn’t Enter, But You 'Won'? A surprise message says you hit the jackpot, but there’s a catch: you must pay a fee or hand over personal details to claim it.  That’s the hallmark of a lottery or prize scam—designed to separate you from your money and identity. These schemes often arrive by email, text, phone, or mail and lean on pressure tactics to force quick decisions.  Scammers frequently demand “taxes,” “processing,” or “shipping” upfront, or ask for sensitive data to “verify” you.  Legitimate lotteries do not require payment to release a prize, and you should never be asked for your Social Security…
Scammers Using Texts To Steal Bank Account Info: What To Know Scammers Using Texts To Steal Bank Account Info: What To Know
Scammers Using Texts To Steal Bank Account Info: What To Know It might look like a message from your bank. It might even sound urgent. But experts warn those texts could be nothing more than a scam designed to steal your money or personal information. Known as “smishing,” these fraudulent texts impersonate banks to trick people into handing over account details.  The scam often follows a pattern: a fake alert about a locked account or suspicious charge, followed by a link to a convincing but fraudulent website.  Entering information there can hand scammers access to your accounts, or worse, install malware on your phone. Your bank will nev…
Don't Fall For Automatic Withdrawal Scams: Here's What To Know Don't Fall For Automatic Withdrawal Scams: Here's What To Know
Don't Fall For Automatic Withdrawal Scams: Here's What To Know The latest trick to drain your checking account doesn’t require your debit card. Just your bank and routing numbers.  Fraudsters posing as prize promoters or special-offer reps convince victims to “verify” account details, then use that information to pull money out—often again and again. Here’s what to know to spot these schemes and protect your money. What They Are These scams hinge on a criminal getting your bank account and routing numbers, often from a check image, a cold call, a mailed postcard, or a too-good-to-be-true email. The criminal then initiates unauthorized autom…
Jimmy Kimmel Gets Last Laugh As Appeals Court Tosses George Santos’ Cameo Lawsuit Jimmy Kimmel Gets Last Laugh As Appeals Court Tosses George Santos’ Cameo Lawsuit
Jimmy Kimmel Gets Last Laugh As Appeals Court Tosses George Santos’ Cameo Lawsuit Looks like the joke’s on George Santos. A federal appeals court rejected the disgraced former New York congressman’s lawsuit against Jimmy Kimmel, siding with the late-night host over his use of Santos’ Cameo videos that were used on-air. In a ruling Monday, Sept. 15, the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan said Santos’ copyright infringement claims were properly rejected by a lower court. Santos had accused Kimmel and ABC of deceiving him into creating personalized videos on the Cameo app that were later broadcast on Jimmy Kimmel Live! as part of a recurring bit called “Will Sant…
Don’t Cash In: Unsolicited Checks Could Cost You Big Don’t Cash In: Unsolicited Checks Could Cost You Big
Don’t Cash In: Unsolicited Checks Could Cost You Big Receiving a check in the mail might seem like a stroke of luck, but experts warn it could be the start of a costly scam.  Authorities are alerting consumers about a surge in unsolicited check fraud schemes targeting people across the US. How The Scam Works Unsolicited check fraud typically begins when you receive a check from someone you don’t know.  The scammer may contact you about a job, a prize, or even as an overpayment for something you’re selling online.  The check looks genuine, and when you deposit it, the funds may appear in your account almost immediately. But …
PA Woman Defrauds Veterans Groups Out Of $1.4M, Sentenced To Prison: FBI PA Woman Defrauds Veterans Groups Out Of $1.4M, Sentenced To Prison: FBI
PA Woman Defrauds Veterans Groups Out Of $1.4M, Sentenced To Prison: FBI A Lancaster woman who defrauded two nonprofit veterans organizations out of more than $1.4 million has been sentenced to prison, federal prosecutors announced on Friday, Sept. 5. Jessika L. Hiepler, 47, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, three years of supervised release, a $10,000 fine, 100 hours of community service, and restitution of $432,925.35, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Court records show Hiepler pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud last September after being charged in August 2024. She also agreed to a forfeiture money …
Funeral Director Pockets $32K From Grieving Families Prepaying Funeral Costs: PA AG Funeral Director Pockets $32K From Grieving Families Prepaying Funeral Costs: PA AG
Funeral Director Pockets $32K From Grieving Families Prepaying Funeral Costs: PA AG A Johnstown woman is accused of scamming grieving families out of nearly $32,000 after taking over her late father’s funeral home, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced on Wednesday, Aug. 27. Brittany Thomas allegedly collected pre-paid funeral costs from at least 14 families while operating the Moskal-Reid Funeral Home and Cremation Services, but never delivered the services or issued refunds, according to the civil lawsuit filed in Cambria County Court. Her father, licensed funeral director Alan B. Reid, passed away in 2021. Thomas was authorized to continue operating the fu…
'Our Pesticides Kill COVID:' NJ Biotech Founder, Philly Firm Hit With Federal Charges 'Our Pesticides Kill COVID:' NJ Biotech Founder, Philly Firm Hit With Federal Charges
'Our Pesticides Kill COVID:' NJ Biotech Founder, Philly Firm Hit With Federal Charges A New Jersey man and the Philadelphia-based biotech company he founded are accused of selling pesticides with false claims that they could kill the virus that causes COVID-19, federal prosecutors said. James Young, 46, of Cherry Hill — founder of ViaClean Technologies, LLC — was charged by indictment with conspiring to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, mail fraud, and violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), according to U.S. Attorney David Metcalf. Sean Storrie, 59, of Philadelphia, was also charged with FIFRA violations, prosecutors said. The indictm…
Casino Dealer Accused Of Stealing $7,800 In Chips From York Hollywood: State Police Casino Dealer Accused Of Stealing $7,800 In Chips From York Hollywood: State Police
Casino Dealer Accused Of Stealing $7,800 In Chips From York Hollywood: State Police A dealer at York Hollywood Casino is accused of pocketing thousands of dollars’ worth of casino chips while on the job, according to court documents obtained by Daily Voice on Friday, Aug. 22. Eric Michael Sagnor, 42, of Paradise, was allegedly caught on surveillance video concealing chips while working as a Senior Table Games Dealer, the criminal complaint filed by Pennsylvania State Police at York shows. Troopers said the investigation began on Sunday, April 28, when a chip was discovered on the casino floor in an area where they are not used. After reviewing security footage, investigato…
Adults Who Left Kids In Cars To Gamble Among 18 Banned From PA Casinos, Sportsbooks: PGCB Adults Who Left Kids In Cars To Gamble Among 18 Banned From PA Casinos, Sportsbooks: PGCB
Adults Who Left Kids In Cars To Gamble Among 18 Banned From PA Casinos, Sportsbooks: Pgcb Two adults who left children alone in cars while gambling at Philadelphia casinos were among 18 people banned from betting in Pennsylvania, the Gaming Control Board announced on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) issued involuntary exclusions for 18 individuals, bringing the total number of people on its statewide ban list to 1,428. Ten of those added were banned from entering casinos, including: A man who left his 12-year-old in a car for 22 minutes while gambling in the sportsbook at Rivers Casino Philadelphia. Another man who left two children, ages …
Appellate Court Throws Out Trump's $500M+ Fine For Inflating Wealth, Property Values Appellate Court Throws Out Trump's $500M+ Fine For Inflating Wealth, Property Values
Appellate Court Throws Out Trump's $500M+ Fine For Inflating Wealth, Property Values A New York appellate court struck down the half-billion-dollar penalty imposed on President Donald Trump and his company for lying about his wealth and inflating property values. The state supreme court's Appellate Division, First Judicial Department, overturned the roughly $527 million fine known as "disgorgement" on Thursday, Aug. 21. The appellate court justices were split on whether New York Attorney General Letitia James proved The Trump Organization committed fraud, but the majority said the fine was "excessive" and unconstitutional. James can appeal the decision to New…
$1M IRS Fraud Scheme Masterminded By Woman With Multiple Personas In PA: DOJ $1M IRS Fraud Scheme Masterminded By Woman With Multiple Personas In PA: DOJ
$1M IRS Fraud Scheme Masterminded By Woman With Multiple Personas In PA: DOJ A York woman plotted an elaborate scheme to steal more than $1 million from the IRS by filing fake tax documents and a bogus check, federal prosecutors announced on Wednesday, August 13. Queen Naja, 44, also known as Renata Winifred Ince and Naja Talibah Zahir, worked with 42-year-old Quentin Diego Sturgeon of Montgomery, Alabama, to carry out the plan, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama. The two met through social media in April 2021, when Naja proposed creating a legal trust, submitting fraudulent paperwork to the IRS, and using a counterfeit check …
PA CNA Steals From Elderly Patient, Forging $900 Check: Police PA CNA Steals From Elderly Patient, Forging $900 Check: Police
PA CNA Steals From Elderly Patient, Forging $900 Check: Police A certified nursing assistant is accused of stealing from an elderly woman she cared for at a Lancaster nursing home, police announced on Tuesday, Aug. 12. Victoria Colon, 35, was charged with one count of Financial Exploitation of an Older Adult and one count of Forgery, both misdemeanors on Aug. 5, according to the Lancaster Township Police Department and court records. In July, police received a report from a patient at Abbeyville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Abbeyville Road who said she was notified by her bank in June about an attempted $900 transaction. The check, made…
Impostor Scams Skyrocket Among Older Adults, FTC Warns: What To Do Impostor Scams Skyrocket Among Older Adults, FTC Warns: What To Do
Impostor Scams Skyrocket Among Older Adults, FTC Warns: What To Do Scams targeting older Americans are surging, causing victims to lose millions of dollars to scammers posing as government officials or trusted companies. The number of victims age 60 and older who lost more than $100,000 has increased by more than 700%, the Federal Trade Commission said on Thursday, Aug. 7. Those high-value thefts jumped from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024. Older adults who lost at least $10,000 also dramatically rose by more than 300%. "While younger consumers also have reported these scams, older adults were much more likely to report these ex…
$1M Cross-Country Title-Washing Ring Used Stolen Porsches, Audis, BMWs In PA: AG $1M Cross-Country Title-Washing Ring Used Stolen Porsches, Audis, BMWs In PA: AG
$1M Cross-Country Title-Washing Ring Used Stolen Porsches, Audis, BMWs In PA: AG A high-end title-washing ring based in central Pennsylvania profited more than $1 million by selling stolen luxury cars from Florida, Attorney General Dave Sunday announced on Wednesday, Aug. 6. The fraudulent operation was allegedly led by 44-year-old Anthony E. Troncoso, who, with a network of 12 others, used fake documents to “wash” vehicle titles, then sold over two dozen stolen cars to private buyers, dealers, and auction houses between 2022 and 2023, according to AG Sunday. The vehicles—many of them Porsches, Audis, BMWs, Land Rovers, and other high-end brands—were stolen in Florida. …
PA Corrections Officer Had Sex With Inmates, Ran ID Fraud Scheme, Attorney General Says PA Corrections Officer Had Sex With Inmates, Ran ID Fraud Scheme, Attorney General Says
PA Corrections Officer Had Sex With Inmates, Ran ID Fraud Scheme, Attorney General Says A former Pennsylvania state prison corrections officer had sexual relationships with inmates and ran a financial fraud scheme using their personal information, Attorney General Dave Sunday announced on Wednesday, Aug. 6. Kristina Miller, 35, of McKean County, is facing multiple felonies for institutional sexual assault and unlawful use of a computer. She’s also charged with several misdemeanors for conspiracy to commit identity theft and conspiracy to commit theft by deception, state police say. Miller allegedly engaged in sexual relationships with three inmates while working at SCI Forest …
$140K Fraud Committed By Former PA Senator's Aide Scamming Church, Supporters $140K Fraud Committed By Former PA Senator's Aide Scamming Church, Supporters
$140K Fraud Committed By Former PA Senator's Aide Scamming Church, Supporters A former aide to Pennsylvania state Sen. Vincent Hughes admitted to stealing more than $140,000 from a North Philadelphia church where he was a deacon and from a city political ward he led, the FBI announced on Saturday, Aug. 2.  Willie Jordan, 68, of Upper Darby, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Harvey Bartle III to two counts of wire fraud, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on Wednesday, July 30. From 2020 to 2024, Jordan exploited his roles at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church and Philadelphia’s 44th Ward for personal benefit, court d…
$3M In Gold Bars Stolen By PA Man, $18K Used To Buy Porn, DA Says $3M In Gold Bars Stolen By PA Man, $18K Used To Buy Porn, DA Says
$3M In Gold Bars Stolen By PA Man, $18K Used To Buy Porn, DA Says A Pennsylvania man is accused of scamming an elderly woman into believing $18,000 from her bank account was used to purchase pornography, then stealing more than $3 million in gold bars, authorities announced on Monday, July 28. Dharmikkumar Sutariya, 25, of Scranton, is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly posing as a “courier” to defraud a 68-year-old Upper Milford Township woman, Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan said in a release. Sutariya has been charged with two counts of Felony Theft by Unlawful Taking – Movable Property, Felony Receiving Stolen Property, Fe…
Rapidly Spreading Scam Targets Drivers With Texts Meant To Click Quickly Rapidly Spreading Scam Targets Drivers With Texts Meant To Click Quickly
Rapidly Spreading Scam Targets Drivers With Texts Meant To Click Quickly A new scam is hitting phones with alarming claims tied to enforcement deadlines, and officials say it's designed to scare drivers into clicking fast. The messages are fraudulent and part of a growing trend known as smishing, or SMS-based phishing attacks, authorities say. The texts note an alleged traffic infraction and cite a specific deadline by which payment must be made to avoid license suspension, fines, or even criminal charges.  Some messages reference obscure motor vehicle codes or list a set of escalating penalties. A link is provided to submit payment through what appears to…
NYPD Officer Steals $87K From Elderly Bank Clients For BMW, Aruba Trip: DA NYPD Officer Steals $87K From Elderly Bank Clients For BMW, Aruba Trip: DA
Nypd Officer Steals $87K From Elderly Bank Clients For BMW, Aruba Trip: DA An NYPD officer who previously worked at a Westchester bank has been charged in a sweeping financial crimes case accusing him of stealing over $85,000 from elderly customers and using the funds to pay for personal expenses—including a Caribbean vacation, luxury car payments, and fitness program subscriptions. Yeison Rodriguez Acosta, age 27, of Manhattan, was arraigned Thursday, July 17, in Rye City Court on a 30-count felony complaint stemming from a months-long investigation by the City of Rye Police Department and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, both agencies announced.…