Fake Attorney Scam: Scalia & Seidel Maryland

Quick Answer: Michael Mancini, a high school graduate from Baltimore, was caught impersonating a bankruptcy attorney after representing over 50 consumers for $400 each. A federal judge ordered him to pay $261,000 in fines and damages for this fraudulent scheme.Michael mancini of Baltimore, Maryland was caught recently impersonating a bankruptcy attorney. it is reported he …

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Organized Fraud: What It Means and What to Do

Quick Answer: Organized fraud involves coordinated criminal schemes to defraud individuals or institutions, as demonstrated by Demetrius Lewis’s arrest for cashing fraudulent tax refund checks from eight victims’ stolen identities. Law enforcement agencies including FDLE, IRS, and local sheriffs collaborate to investigate and prosecute these complex financial crimes.The Florida Department of Law Enforcement Tampa Bay …

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Medicare Fraud: Red Flags From $40M Doctor Scheme

Quick Answer: Dr. Hicham Elhorr was charged with orchestrating a $40 million Medicare fraud scheme through his company House Calls Physicians, submitting fraudulent claims for medically unnecessary or never-provided services. The criminal complaint reveals how physician home visiting services can be exploited to defraud Medicare through false billing practices.According to a criminal complaint unsealed today …

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ID Theft Tax Fraud: When It Helps and Hurts

Quick Answer: Identity theft tax fraud both helps authorities prosecute criminals and hurts victims financially. Three defendants in Alabama received prison sentences ranging from 6 to 66 months for operating a stolen identity refund fraud scheme targeting the IRS.Three defendants involved in a stolen identity refund fraud scheme were sentenced today in the Middle District …

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Ohio Identity Theft Help: What It Means for You

Quick Answer: Ohio’s Attorney General launched a new Identity Theft Unit offering two assistance programs: Traditional Assistance (requires police report, specialist works on victim’s behalf) and Self-Help Assistance (provides tools for self-resolution). Victims can contact the program at 800-282-0515 or OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov for help recovering from identity theft.Attorney General Mike DeWine reminded Ohioans today at the …

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TBW and Colonial Bank Fraud: Who’s Going to Jail

Quick Answer: Delton de Armas, former CFO of Taylor, Bean & Whitaker Mortgage Corp., pleaded guilty to bank and wire fraud conspiracy in a $2.9 billion scheme that caused TBW and Colonial Bank failures. He faces up to 10 years in prison at his June 2012 sentencing.Delton de Armas, a former chief financial officer (CFO) …

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Former Bishop Ponzi Scam: Is It Legit?

Quick Answer: The Former Bishop Ponzi Scam is not legitimate – Julius C. Blackwelder, a former LDS bishop, was federally indicted on nine counts of money laundering and fraud for allegedly operating a Ponzi scheme through his “Friend’s Investment Group” since 2005, targeting congregation members.The Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset …

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FTC Complaints: Fake Acai Berry News Sites Shut Down

Quick Answer: The FTC shut down six operators using fake news websites to deceive consumers about acai berry weight-loss products. The settlements require $500,000 in penalties and permanent bans on deceptive health claims and fake journalism tactics.We’ve covered the deceitful acai berry weight-loss products over the past year on our site (see here, here and …

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Raleigh Fraud Case: Red Flags to Know

Quick Answer: William Gauger III, former President of Encap Golf Holdings LLC, was indicted for extorting $100,000 from a financial consultant and fraudulent invoicing schemes. Gauger allegedly threatened the consultant with loss of future business unless he paid the money to Gauger’s brother-in-law for personal expenses.The former President of Encap Golf Holdings LLC (“Encap”), William …

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MTA Debt Collection Fraud: Final Guilty Plea

Quick Answer: Paul Anthony Vasquez, the final defendant in the MTA debt collection fraud scheme, pleaded guilty to mail/wire fraud and money laundering charges on January 17, 2012. The scheme defrauded victims of over $1 million through false debt collection services, with Vasquez agreeing to pay full restitution and forfeit $950,000 in seized assets.The last …

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