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Financial Fraud

Shelton CFO Admits Stealing More Than $739K From Danbury Software Company: Feds Shelton CFO Admits Stealing More Than $739K From Danbury Software Company: Feds
Shelton CFO Admits Stealing More Than $739K From Danbury Software Company: Feds A Connecticut woman who served as chief financial officer for a Danbury software company has admitted stealing more than $739,000 from her employer in a years-long fraud scheme, federal authorities said. Pamela Aguilar, 65, of Shelton, pleaded guilty to wire fraud Wednesday, June 4, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut. She faces up to 20 years in prison. Aguilar worked as the CFO for a Danbury-based software company identified in court documents as "Company A." Federal prosecutors said Aguilar defrauded the company between approximately 2018 and 2025. Au…
Millions Stolen In Bank Scam Run By York Fraud Ring: PA AG (UPDATE) Millions Stolen In Bank Scam Run By York Fraud Ring: PA AG (UPDATE)
Millions Stolen In Bank Scam Run By York Fraud Ring: PA AG (Update) A central Pennsylvania fraud scheme that drained millions from unsuspecting bank customers has led to prison time for its ringleader, Attorney General Dave Sunday announced on Wednesday, March 18. Jeremy Antuan Boria Fraticelli, 23, of Dover, pleaded guilty in January after orchestrating the operation that targeted victims in Cumberland, Dauphin, and York counties, according to the AG’s office. Fraticelli posed as a bank employee along with his co-conspirators, tricking customers into handing over personal banking information. The group then used that data to access accounts, move money int…
Man Coerces Senior To Hand Over Money By Posing As FBI In Poughkeepsie: Police Man Coerces Senior To Hand Over Money By Posing As FBI In Poughkeepsie: Police
Man Coerces Senior To Hand Over Money By Posing As FBI In Poughkeepsie: Police A Brooklyn man has been arrested for allegedly running an organized scam that defrauded a senior citizen in Dutchess County, police announced. Guiming Zhu, 43, was arrested in connection with the scam on Monday, Nov. 17, the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department announced on Thursday, Nov. 20. The incident leading to Zhu's arrest began on Friday, Sept. 26, when the victim was contacted through both computer and phone by someone claiming to represent a local financial institution and the FBI, police said. Investigators say the scammer manipulated the victim and convinced them to withd…
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 …
New Windsor Man Scams Dating App Match Out of $50K: Here's His Fate New Windsor Man Scams Dating App Match Out of $50K: Here's His Fate
New Windsor Man Scams Dating App Match Out of $50K: Here's His Fate A 33-year-old Orange County man who admitted to scamming a woman he met on a dating app out of tens of thousands of dollars will spend years in state prison, prosecutors announced. New Windsor man Michael Benedetto was sentenced in Orange County Court to four to twelve years in prison and ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution on Thursday, July 31, after pleading guilty to second-degree grand larceny in 2024, Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced.  Benedetto entered his guilty plea in July 2024 but later failed to appear for sentencing, prompting the court to i…
NY Man Who Posed As Fed To Steal Gold Bars From Ephrata Woman Waives Hearing: Police NY Man Who Posed As Fed To Steal Gold Bars From Ephrata Woman Waives Hearing: Police
NY Man Who Posed As Fed To Steal Gold Bars From Ephrata Woman Waives Hearing: Police A New York man charged with stealing more than half a million dollars in gold bars from a Lancaster County woman by posing as a federal agent has waived his preliminary hearing, authorities announced. Zhong Ren, 44, of Brooklyn, waived the hearing on Thursday, July 18 before Magisterial District Judge Torrey Landis, according to Ephrata Borough police and court records. Ren is accused of conspiring with others to steal $555,892 worth of gold bars from the home of an elderly woman on the 200 block of Linda Terrace in Ephrata. The theft happened on the afternoon of April 18, investigators sai…
Former State Auditor Steals $400K From Wallkill During Audit, DA Says Former State Auditor Steals $400K From Wallkill During Audit, DA Says
Former State Auditor Steals $400K From Wallkill During Audit, DA Says A state auditor from Dutchess County assigned to examine an Orange County town’s finances has been arraigned on felony charges after allegedly stealing more than $400,000 in public funds, prosecutors announced. Tobias Otieno, age 41, of Hyde Park, was arraigned this week on a felony complaint charging him with second-degree grand larceny as a public corruption crime, Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced on Thursday, July 10. According to Hoovler, Otieno is accused of stealing $405,843.25 from the Town of Wallkill between June 2022 and September 2024, while working as a…
Hackers Infect 394K+ Computers, Microsoft Disrupts 'Most Popular Infostealer': What To Know Hackers Infect 394K+ Computers, Microsoft Disrupts 'Most Popular Infostealer': What To Know
Hackers Infect 394K+ Computers, Microsoft Disrupts 'Most Popular Infostealer': What To Know A global cybercrime tool used to steal passwords and drain bank accounts was shut down in a major takedown led by Microsoft and federal authorities. The tool called Lumma Stealer had infected more than 394,000 Windows computers worldwide between March and May, Microsoft said in a blog post on Wednesday, May 21. Hackers used the malware to target schools, hospitals, banks, and gaming communities, often holding victims for ransom or committing financial fraud. A federal court order allowed Microsoft's digital crimes unit to seize more than 2,300 web domains that powered the malware's ope…
Victim Tricked Out Of $20K By Fake FCC Rep In Elaborate Yorktown Tech Hoax, Police Say Victim Tricked Out Of $20K By Fake FCC Rep In Elaborate Yorktown Tech Hoax, Police Say
Victim Tricked Out Of $20K By Fake FCC Rep In Elaborate Yorktown Tech Hoax, Police Say A Westchester resident was scammed out of more than $20,000 in cash after falling victim to a tech support hoax involving a fake federal agent and a pop-up alert claiming child pornography had been found on their computer, police said.  The incident happened on the afternoon of Thursday, May 8, between 3:00 and 3:45 p.m. in the area of Ravencrest Road, the Yorktown Police Department announced.  According to investigators, the victim received a pop-up alert on their computer claiming that child pornography had been detected. The alert included a phone number, which the victim calle…
$259K Scheme: Elmsford Bank Employee Hacks Into Core System, Steals Funds, DA Says $259K Scheme: Elmsford Bank Employee Hacks Into Core System, Steals Funds, DA Says
$259K Scheme: Elmsford Bank Employee Hacks Into Core System, Steals Funds, DA Says A Westchester man is facing a felony charge after allegedly manipulating banking systems to steal more than a quarter-million dollars from his employer, prosecutors announced.  Elmsford resident Duke Biswas, 51, was charged with second-degree grand larceny and was arraigned in Elmsford Town Court in connection with the alleged theft on Wednesday morning, April 30, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office announced on Thursday, May 1.  Prosecutors say that between March 22 and March 29, 2024, Biswas, an employee at Emigrant Savings Bank, breached the bank’s core platform a…
Lyin’ King George Santos Sentenced To Prison In Final Act Of Political Circus Lyin’ King George Santos Sentenced To Prison In Final Act Of Political Circus
Lyin’ King George Santos Sentenced To Prison In Final Act Of Political Circus Disgraced former New York congressman and convicted fraudster George Santos is heading to federal prison. The Republican ex-lawmaker, 36, was sentenced to 87 months (just over 7 years) behind bars in Central Islip federal court on Friday, April 25, months after pleading guilty to wire fraud and identity theft.  As part of his plea agreement, Santos agreed to pay a $200,000 forfeiture and over $373,000 in restitution to his victims. Friday’s sentencing capped off one of the most bizarre chapters in American political history, one in which a sitting member of Congress was expelled and l…
Debit Card Skimmer Found In ATM Inside Columbia CVS: Police Debit Card Skimmer Found In ATM Inside Columbia CVS: Police
Debit Card Skimmer Found In ATM Inside Columbia CVS: Police A skimming device capable of stealing card information was discovered inside an ATM at a CVS Pharmacy in Columbia, police announced on Monday, April 14 at 11:59 a.m. The debit and credit card skimmer was located in the Santander Bank ATM inside the CVS at 615 Locust St., at the corner of 6th and Locust Street, authorities said. The device was found on the evening of Saturday, April 12, though it's currently unknown how long the device had been in place. Columbia Borough Police confirmed they are now in possession of the skimmer. Officials are urging anyone who used the machine on or be…
Office Manager Admits To Embezzling $350K From Scotch Plains Synagogue, Feds Say Office Manager Admits To Embezzling $350K From Scotch Plains Synagogue, Feds Say
Office Manager Admits To Embezzling $350K From Scotch Plains Synagogue, Feds Say A 52-year-old Scotch Plains woman pleaded guilty on Thursday, March 20, to embezzling more than $350,000 from a Union County synagogue she worked at, authorities said. In 2010, Stacy Margaritondo began working at Congregation Beth Israel in Scotch Plains and was later promoted to bookkeeper and office manager in July 2020, U.S. Attorney John Giordano said. Margaritondo’s duties included accounting/bookkeeping, payroll, preparing checks for accounts payable, and reporting to the synagogue’s board of directors regarding the synagogue’s financial condition, Giordano said. From Dec. 2019 to Ma…
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…
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 …
Scammers Claim Relatives Are in Trouble Over Phone Calls In Dutchess, Police Say Scammers Claim Relatives Are in Trouble Over Phone Calls In Dutchess, Police Say
Scammers Claim Relatives Are in Trouble Over Phone Calls In Dutchess, Police Say Authorities in Dutchess County are urging residents to stay vigilant as scammers increasingly target unsuspecting victims and claim their loved ones are in trouble.  The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office issued a public warning on Wednesday, Feb. 5 about an increasing number of phone scams, many of which prey on emotions by falsely claiming a loved one has been hurt or arrested. Scammers often impersonate law enforcement officials or relatives, pressuring victims into sending money immediately.  One of the latest scams reported involves fraudsters calling victims and claiming that …
Local Family Loses $40K After Responding To Fake Email In Putnam Local Family Loses $40K After Responding To Fake Email In Putnam
Local Family Loses $40K After Responding To Fake Email In Putnam Authorities are warning residents to stay vigilant following an email scam that cost a Hudson Valley family $40,000.  According to an announcement from the Putnam County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, Jan. 22, the incident began on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, when the victim received a fraudulent email that appeared to be from PayPal. The email claimed that an account had been opened in the victim’s name with a $400 charge.  The victim called the number provided in the email and unknowingly engaged with a scammer posing as PayPal support. The scammer convinced the victim to grant …
Elizabeth Man Scams Elderly Family Friend Out Of $1.6M In Shocking Fraud Scheme Elizabeth Man Scams Elderly Family Friend Out Of $1.6M In Shocking Fraud Scheme
Elizabeth Man Scams Elderly Family Friend Out Of $1.6M In Shocking Fraud Scheme An Elizabeth man is facing charges after allegedly stealing more than $1.6 million from a senior citizen in a years-long financial scheme, authorities said. Between Jan. 2022 and Aug. 2024, 25-year-old Elijah Ray orchestrated a scheme targeting an elderly family friend, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel said. Using fabricated documents, impersonating driving school representatives, and issuing fraudulent statements, Ray is accused of defrauding the victim in over 1,600 transactions, officials said. In addition to creating false documentation, authorities allege Ray stole t…
Woman Stole $175K+ From Waretown Senior Community, Forged Doctor's Letter: Prosecutors Woman Stole $175K+ From Waretown Senior Community, Forged Doctor's Letter: Prosecutors
Woman Stole $175K+ From Waretown Senior Community, Forged Doctor's Letter: Prosecutors A Mays Landing woman was accused of stealing more than $175,000 from an Ocean County senior community and lying about her child's cancer treatment to delay court proceedings, authorities said. Alicia Campbell, 37, was given five additional charges on Tuesday, Oct. 29, Ocean County First Assistant Prosecutor Michael Nolan Jr. said in a news release. She was originally charged with theft, financial facilitation, and forgery. Campbell was the former lifestyle director at Greenbriar Oceanaire Community & Golf Course in Waretown. She was responsible for booking enter…
Credit Card Skimmers Found At New London Supermarket During Police Inspection Credit Card Skimmers Found At New London Supermarket During Police Inspection
Credit Card Skimmers Found At New London Supermarket During Police Inspection Police in Connecticut are warning shoppers to be on the lookout for credit card skimmers after two were found on machines during a recent check. The New London Police Department recently inspected some of the city's retail locations and found two skimmers at NSA Supermarket on S. Frontage Road. The department said customers who frequent this location should check their financial card transactions and alert their bank about suspicious account activity. "Everyone should keep in mind that more fraudulent card skimmers may be placed at various locations, and not just the ones where they have a…
Former Employee Admits To Stealing $178K+ From Jersey Shore Engineering Firm: Prosecutors Former Employee Admits To Stealing $178K+ From Jersey Shore Engineering Firm: Prosecutors
Former Employee Admits To Stealing $178K+ From Jersey Shore Engineering Firm: Prosecutors A Manahawkin woman admitted to stealing nearly $180,000 from a Long Beach engineering firm, authorities said. Dona Carlo-Tanzola, 51, pleaded guilty on Monday, July 1 to theft, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Monday, July 8. She's a former administrative assistant at Horn, Tyson & Yoder, Inc. Long Beach Township police said Carlo-Tanzola deposited checks for the business into her personal bank accounts between May and November 2022. She also edited the business’s financial records and deleted paid invoices in client accounts. …
Westchester Honors Retiring 'Cyber Dog,' Detective Who Worked To Sniff Out Electronics Westchester Honors Retiring 'Cyber Dog,' Detective Who Worked To Sniff Out Electronics
Westchester Honors Retiring 'Cyber Dog,' Detective Who Worked To Sniff Out Electronics County officials are honoring the careers of a retiring Westchester detective and his K9 partner who worked to find hidden electronic devices containing evidence in criminal investigations.  The retirement of Westchester County Police Detective Brett Hochron and his partner, Harley the Cyber Dog, was announced on Monday, July 1.  According to County Executive George Latimer, the duo spent much of their careers sniffing out hidden digital devices in search of evidence for investigations, including SIM cards, thumb drives, hard drives, cell phones, tablets, laptop computers, an…
Western Mass Man Who Swindled $300K In Unfinished Construction Projects Gets Up To 10 Years Western Mass Man Who Swindled $300K In Unfinished Construction Projects Gets Up To 10 Years
Western Mass Man Who Swindled $300K In Unfinished Construction Projects Gets Up To 10 Years A Berkshire County man who was found guilty of swindling more than a dozen homeowners and at least one fire department out of hundreds of thousands of dollars for construction work he never completed will spend up to the next decade behind bars, authorities said.  Fred Senter, of Pittsfield, was found guilty of five counts of larceny Over $250 from a victim over 60 years of age, 19 counts of theft of over $1,200, stealing less than $1,200, the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office said.  A judge sentenced him to eight to 10 years in prison. The prosecutor had asked for an 18…
NY Man Who 'Lived Large' Off $1 Million Ponzi Scheme Sentenced NY Man Who 'Lived Large' Off $1 Million Ponzi Scheme Sentenced
NY Man Who 'Lived Large' Off $1 Million Ponzi Scheme Sentenced A former New York investment broker has received a lengthy stay in prison for running a million-dollar Ponzi scheme. Long Island resident Rand Heckler, age 67, of Glen Cove, was sentenced to up to seven-and-a-half years in prison on Wednesday, May 15, the Nassau County District Attorney (NCDA) announced. Heckler was an investment broker in 2015 when he began his scheme, recommending that his friend and his friend’s son that they invest in a hedge fund of stocks and securities that Heckler was managing. Original Story - $1 Million Ponzi Scheme: Glen Cove Investment Broker Pleads …
4x Felon, Mount Joy Home Healthcare Worker Accused Of $2K+ Fraud: Police 4x Felon, Mount Joy Home Healthcare Worker Accused Of $2K+ Fraud: Police
4x Felon, Mount Joy Home Healthcare Worker Accused Of $2K+ Fraud: Police A home healthcare worker – who is also a convicted felon – is accused of defrauding a sick, elderly woman out of over $2,000, Mount Joy police announced on Monday. Akai Jesus Rosario, 38 of Mount Joy, was working as a caretaker for a woman who was completely dependent on his care when he allegedly committed fraud and neglectful abuse, according to the police release on May 6.  While working for the woman between Nov. 2023 and Jan. 2024, he gained "access [to] her online accounts and complete unauthorized transfers totaling over $2,000.00 to his own accounts," the police stated in the r…
Former Manager Takes Plea Deal After Stealing Over $44K From Library In Westchester Former Manager Takes Plea Deal After Stealing Over $44K From Library In Westchester
Former Manager Takes Plea Deal After Stealing Over $44K From Library In Westchester The former business manager of a public library in Westchester has taken a plea deal after stealing tens of thousands of dollars from her workplace.  Mamaroneck resident Mary Soto, age 62, pleaded guilty to defrauding the Mamaroneck Public Library on Wednesday, April 24, according to library officials. Earlier Report - Update: Former Business Manager Steals Over $44K From Mamaroneck Library, DA Says Her plea bargain includes a $43,900 fine and 3 years probation, officials added. According to the Westchester County District Attorney's Office, between May 2016 and February 20…
'Pig Butchering' Scams: Police In CT Warn Of Fraudulent Investment Schemes 'Pig Butchering' Scams: Police In CT Warn Of Fraudulent Investment Schemes
'Pig Butchering' Scams: Police In CT Warn Of Fraudulent Investment Schemes Authorities are warning Connecticut residents to be wary of complex investment scams targeting victims through online platforms such as dating apps and social media.  In an announcement on Tuesday, March 26, Connecticut State Police warned that there has been an increase in "pig butchering" scams involving scammers convincing victims to invest money into a fake trading platform.  According to state police, the scammer will first contact the victim through dating apps, social media, or professional networking platforms. They will then build trust with the victim over several weeks …
Jury Finds Marilyn Mosby Complicit In Illegally Claiming COVID-19 Funds Jury Finds Marilyn Mosby Complicit In Illegally Claiming COVID-19 Funds
Jury Finds Marilyn Mosby Complicit In Illegally Claiming Covid-19 Funds A former top prosecutor in Maryland will face prison time after crying wolf about financial "hardships" during the COVID-19 crisis, authorities announced. On Thursday, a federal jury convicted embattled former Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby on two founds of perjury in connection to her withdrawing of funds from the city's Deferred Compensation Plan, citing a shortfall during the pandemic while she was still in office. Prosecutors said that between May 2020 and December 2020, Mosby submitted claims for both a $40,000 and $50,000 withdrawal from the Compensation Plan, though at the …
ELDER ABUSE: Financial Advisor Swiped $75K, Neglected 90-Year-Old Woman In His Care: NJ AG ELDER ABUSE: Financial Advisor Swiped $75K, Neglected 90-Year-Old Woman In His Care: NJ AG
Elder Abuse: Financial Advisor Swiped $75K, Neglected 90-Year-Old Woman In His Care: NJ AG A financial advisor from Verona abused his authority over a 90-year-old client's finances, stealing $75,000 while neglecting her care and well-being and letting her bills pile up, state authorities charged. John Boston, 47, tried to hide his hiring to manage the woman's affairs and assets, they said. He never told his employer and ignored a federal Financial Industry Regulatory Authority requirement to register the victim as a client, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a joint announcement with Interim Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Al Garcia. After obtaining durable fin…
South Jersey Woman Stole $675K In Investment Scheme: Prosecutor South Jersey Woman Stole $675K In Investment Scheme: Prosecutor
South Jersey Woman Stole $675K In Investment Scheme: Prosecutor A 59-year-old woman from South Jersey has admitted to defrauding a woman out of $600,000 and then stealing her identity, authorities said. Wei Song, 59, of Egg Harbor Township, faces 16 years in New Jersey State Prison under her plea agreement on money laundering and identity theft charges, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office. This case involved a multi-year social engineering scheme that resulted in financial losses of over $600,000 from one victim and over $75,000 in identity theft damages, the prosecutor said. The defendant preyed upon the victim, convincing he…
NJ Broker Scammed Grieving Army Families Out Of $3.5 Million In Death Benefits, Feds Charge NJ Broker Scammed Grieving Army Families Out Of $3.5 Million In Death Benefits, Feds Charge
NJ Broker Scammed Grieving Army Families Out Of $3.5 Million In Death Benefits, Feds Charge Families of soldiers killed in war lost nearly $3.5 million to a merciless financial counselor from New Jersey who exploited their grief, federal authorities have charged. Caz Craffy, 41, worked for the United States Army when he defrauded two dozen Gold Star families who trusted him out of death benefits, U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Philip R. Sellinger said on Friday, July 7. Craffy – also known as “Carz Craffey” – “took advantage of his role as an Army financial counselor, using lies and deception to steer their investments in a way that would make him money,” Sellinger said during a new…