Two independent investigations exposed the same predatory law firm scheme in 3 weeks. Here’s the 5-step playbook they documented — and how to protect yourself.
Tenants Counsel Network scraped court records, sent fake-urgent letters to 35,569 tenants — signed by a fictitious attorney. Here’s how the scheme worked and what it means.
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Queens had 167 foreclosures in Q1 2026 — more than Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island combined. What that number means for every middle-class homeowner.
New York’s proposed BNPL rules would cap interest at 16%, late fees at $8, require licensing and underwriting, and establish the nation’s first comprehensive consumer protections for buy now pay later products.
Quick Answer: Seven members of an identity theft ring were charged with a $1M fraud scheme that used stolen identities of 180+ people to make fraudulent purchases at major NYC retailers like Home Depot and Kohl’s. Key red flags include manufactured fake driver’s licenses, resold merchandise for profit, and victims discovering the theft only when …
Quick Answer: Laurentiu Ilian Bulat was arrested for allegedly installing skimming devices on over 40 HSBC ATMs across Manhattan, Long Island, and Westchester, stealing at least $1.5 million from customer accounts. The devices recorded card information and used pinhole cameras to capture PINs as customers entered them.Last Thursday it was announced that Laurentiu Ilian Bulat …
Quick Answer: Jonathan Oliveras received a 12-year prison sentence for managing an East Coast credit card fraud ring that caused over $750,000 in losses. He must also serve three years supervised release and forfeit $770,646 after pleading guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges.An identity thief was sentenced earlier this month to 12 …
Quick Answer: Charles Schwartz, former owner of Allied Health Care Services, was sentenced to 195 months in prison for orchestrating a $135 million fake medical equipment leasing scheme. The fraud victimized over 50 financial institutions and caused more than $80 million in losses between 2002 and 2010.Former owner and president of Allied Heath Care Services, …
Quick Answer: Two Chicago brothers were convicted of wire fraud for targeting elderly homeowners with fake repair schemes, collecting tens of thousands through home refinancing then failing to complete work. The Sullivans face up to 20 years per count and must pay $1.2 million in forfeiture plus restitution to victims.Last week a jury convicted two …
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